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HANDBOUND 
AT  THE 


J*!_ 


UNIVERSITY  OF 
TORONTO  PRESS 


THE 


WORKS 


OF    T  PI  E 


ENGLISH      POETS. 


WITH 


PREFACES, 


BIOGRAPHICAL    AND    CRITICAL, 


BY    SAMUEL    JOHNSON. 


VOLUME    THE    SEVENTY-SECOND. 


UBESai 


V. 


LONDON:         >  \  J     ^/i 

^  \^  \  b 

ysi^TED      BY      M.    BROWNJ  (\       ' 

fCB  J.  Bt?CKLA>."D,  J.  BIVINGTON  AND  SONS,  T.  PAfNE  AND 
SJNt,  L.  OAV:S,  B.  V.HITE  AND  SON,  T.  LCKCh.'AN,  B.  LA\V, 
J.  DoDSLEY,  H.  BALDWIN,  J.  ROBSON,  C.  DILLY,  T.  CADELL, 
J.  MCKOLI,  J.  JCHNSON,  C.  C.  J.  AND  J,  ROBINSON, 
?.  BAtl-'AIN,  H.  L.  GARDNER,  P.  EL.NULY,  T.  EVANS, 
C.  NICOL,  LEIGH  AND  SCTritKY,  J.  BEW,  N.  CON  ANT, 
J.  MURRAY,  J.  SEWELL,  \> .  GOLDSMITH,  W.  RICHARDSON, 
T.  VKkNcR,  W.  LCWNDEi,  W.  PENT,  W.  OTKIDGE,  T.  AND 
J.  ECrP.TON,  S.  HAYES,  ?.  FAWLDEH,  J.  EDWARDS,  C.  AND 
T.  V.ILKIE,  W.  NICOLL,  CGII.VY  AND  8PEAf,E,  SCATCHIRU 
AN  J  'rtiUTAXlS,    \V,  rOX,    C   SlAi-KXR,    E.  N£',VBk.RV»     J7yO, 


y 


w 


THE 

SEVENTY-SECOND    VOLUME 

OF     THE 

ENGLISH     POETS; 

CONTAINING 

JOHNSON, 

AND 

PART    OF    W.    WHITEHEAD. 


Vol.  LXXII, 


THE 


POEMS 


a  p 


SAMUEL    JOHNSON,  L.L.D. 


Vol.  LXXII.  B 


t     3    1 


Dr.     J  O  H  N  S  O  N's 


OEMS. 


LONDON:     A    POEM- 

IN    IMITATION    OF    THE 

THIRD    SATIRE    OF    JUVENAL,  i-ji^. 


•Quis  ineptas 
Tam  padens  urbis,  tarn  ferreus  ut  teneat  fe  ?' 

Juv. 

^    'TpHO'  grief  and  fondnoTs  in  ray  bread  rebel, 

■*•    When  injur'd  Thales  bids  the  town  farewel. 
Yet  Hill  my  calmer  thoughts  his  choice  commend, 
I  praife  the  hermit,  but  regret  the  friend, 
Refolv'd  at  length,  from  vice  and  London  far. 
To  breathe  in  diilant  fields  a  purer  air, 

JUV.     Sat.  III. 

*  Qyamvis  dlgreffa  veteris  confufus  amici ; 
Laudo,  tatnen,  vacuis  quod  fedem  figere  Cumia 
Deftinet,  accjue  unum  civem  donare  Sibyllas, 

B  2  Andj 


4-  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

And,  fix'd  on  Cambria's  folitary  fhoie. 
Give  to  St.  David  one  true  Briton  more. 

^  For  who  wou'd  leave,  unbrib'd,  Hibernja's  land. 
Or  change  the  rocks  of  Scotland  for  the  Strand  ? 
There  none  are  fvvept  by  fudden  fate  away. 
But  all  whom  hunger  fpares,  with  age  decay  : 
Here  malice,  rapine,  accident,  confpire. 
And  now  a  rabble  rages,  now  a  fire  ; 
Their  ambufh  here  relentlefs  ruffians  lay. 
And  here  the  fell  attorney  prowls  for  prey  ; 
Here  falling  houfes  thunder  on  your  head. 
And  here  a  female  atheill:  talks  you  dead. 

^  While  TjHALEs  waits  the  wherry  that  contains 
Of  diffipated  wealth  th-j  fmall  remains. 
On  Thames*s  banks,  in  filent  thought  we  flood. 
Where  Greenwich  fmiles  upon  the  filver  flood  j 
Struck  with  the  feat  that  gave  Eliza  *  birth. 
We  kneel,  and  kifs  the  confecrated  earth  i 
I.i  pleafmj  dreams  the  blifsful  age  renew. 
And  call  Britannia's  glories  back  to  view ; 
Eshold  her  crofs  triumphant  on  the  main. 
The  guard  of  commerce,  and  the  dread  of  Spain, 


b  _ 


•Egr>  vel  Prochytam  praepono  Suburrs?, 


Nam  quid  tam  miferum,  tam  folum  vidimus,  ut  non 
Detfciius  credas  horrere  incra^Ja,  lapfus 
Tediorum  ailiduos,  et  miile  pericula  farvae 
Urbis,  &  Augiilto  recicantes  menfe  poetas  ? 

c  Sed,  dum  tota  domusrhedi  componltur  una, 
Subftitit  ad  veteres  arcus.  —— — ~ 

*  Queen  Elizabeth,  born  at  Greenwich. 


Ere 


LONDON:     APOEM*  5 

F.re  mafquerades  debauch'd,  cxcife  opprefs'd. 
Or  Englilh  honour  grew  a  Handing  jell. 

A  tranfient  calm  the  happy  fcenes  beilow. 
And  for  a  moment  lull  the  lenfe  of  woe. 
At  length  awaking,  with  contemptuous  frown, 
Indignant  Thales  eyes  the  neighb'ring  town. 

**  Since  worth,  he  cries,  in  thefe  degen'rate  diys 
Wants  ev'n  the  cheap  reward  of  empty  praife  ; 
In  thofe  curs'd  walls,  devote  to  vice  and  gain. 
Since  unrewarded  fcience  toils  in  vain  ; 
Since  hope  but  fooths  to  double  my  diftrefs. 
And  ev'ry  moment  leaves  my  little  lefs ; 
While  yet  my  fteady  fteps  no  ^  ftafFfullains, 
And  life  Hill  vig'rous  revels  in  my  veins ; 
Grant  me,  kind  heaven,  to  find  fome  happier  place. 
Where  honefty  and  fenfe  are  no  difgrace  ; 
Some  pleafing  bank  where  verdant  oilers  play. 
Some  peaceful  vale  with  nature's  paintings  gay  ; 
Where  once  the  harafs'd  Briton  found  repofe. 
And  fafe  in  poverty  defy'd  his  foes  ; 
Some  fecret  cell,  ye  pow'rs,  indulgent  give, 
^  Let  — —  live  here,  for has  leara'd  to  live. 

d  Hie  tunc  Umbricius :   Quando  artlbus,   Inqiiit,  honeflis 
Nullus  in  urbe  locus,  nulla  emolumenta  laborum. 
Res  hodle  minor  eft,  heri  quani  fuit,  aroue  eadem  eras 
Deteret  exlguis  aliquid  :  proponimus  illuc 
Jre,  fatigatas  ubi  Daedalus  exuit  alasj 
Dun!i  ncva  canities  » 

e         ■■  et  pedibus  ms 

Porto  rneis,  nuUo  dextram  fubeunte  bac'Uo. 

f  Cedamus  patria  :  vivant  Arturius  iftic 
F.t,  Catulus :  raaneant  qui  nigrum  in  Candida  vcrtUTt, 

B  ^  Here 


6  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Here  let  thofe  reign,  whom  penfions  can  incite 
To  vote  a  patriot  black,  a  courtier  white  ; 
Explain  their  country's  dear-bought  rights  away^ 
And  plead  for  *  pirates  in  the  face  of  day  ; 
With  flavifh  tenets  taint  our  poifon'd  youth. 
And  lend  a  lie  the  confidence  of  truth. 

s  Let  fuch  raife  palaces,  and  manors  buy, 
CoUeft  a  tax,  or  farm  a  lottery  ; 
With  warbling  eunuchs  fill  our  f  filenc'd  flage,^ 
And  lull  to  fervitade  a  thoughtlefs  age. 

Heroes,  proceed'!  what  bounds  your  pride  fhall  hold  ? 
What  check  refcrain  your  thirll  of  pow'r  and  gold  ? 
Behold  rebellious  \drtue  quite  o'erthrown. 
Behold  our  fame,  our  wealth,  our  lives  your  own. 

To  fuch,  the  plunder  of  a  land  is  giv'n. 
When  publick  crimes  inflame  the  wrath  of  heav'n  : 
^  But  what,  my  friend,  what  hope  remains  for  me. 
Who  flart  at  theft,  and  blufh  at  perjury  ? 
Who  fcarce  forbear,  tho'  Britain's  court  he  fing. 
To  pluck  a  titled  poet's  borrow'd  wing ; 

g  Quels  facile  eft  aedem  conducere,  flumina,  portusj 
Siccandam  eluviem,  portandum  ad  bufta  cadaver.— 
JVlunera  nunc  edunt. 

h  Quid  Romae  faciam  ?  mentiri  nefcio  :  llbrurrij 
Si  maius  eft,  nequeo  laudare  &  pofcere,— 

*  The  invafions  of  the  Spaniards  were  defended  in  the  houfes  of 
purliament, 

■\  The  licenfing  a<^  was  then  lately  made. 

A  ftatef- 


LONDON:    A   POEM.  7 - 

A  ftatefman's  logick  unconvinc'd  can  hear. 
And  dare  to  /lumber  o'er  the  *  Gazetteer  j 
Defpife  a  fool  in  half  his  penfion  drefs'd> 
And  ftrive  in  vain  to  laugh  at  Clodio's  jeft. 

^  Others  with  fofter  fmiles,  and  fubtler  art. 
Can  fap  the  principles,  or  taint  the  heart ; 
With  more  addrefs  a  lover's  note  convey. 
Or  bribe  a  virgin's  innocence  away. 
Well  may  they  rife,  while  I,  whofe  ruftick  tongue 
Ne'er  knew  to  puzzle  right,  or  varnifh  wrong, 
Spurn'd  as  a  beggar,  dreaded  as  a  fpy. 
Live  unregarded,  unlamented  die. 

^  For  what  but  focial  guik  the  friend  endears  ? 
Who  fhares  Orgilio's  crimes,  his  fortune  ihares. 
^  But  thou,  Ihould  tempting  villany  prefent 
All  Marlb'rough  hoarded,  or  all  Villiers  fpent. 
Turn  from  the  glitt'ring  bribe  thy  fcornful  eye. 
Nor  fell  for  gold,  what  gold  could  never  buy. 
The  peaceful  llumber,  felf-approving  day, 
Unfullied  fame,  and'Conlcience  ever  gay. 

i  — —  Ferre  ad  nuptas  quae  mittlt  adulter. 
Quae  mandat  norlnt  alii ;   me  nemo  miniftro 
Fur  erit,  atque  ideo  nulli  comes  exeo. 

^  Quis  nunc  diiigitur  nifi  confcius  ?        - 
Carus  erit  Verri,  qui  Verrem  tempore,  quo  vult> 
Accufare  potetl:. 

I  Tanti  tlbi  non  fit  opaci 

Omnis  arena  Tagi,  quodque  in  mare  volvltur  aurum, 
Ut  fomno  careas. 

*  The   paper  which   at  that  time  contained  apologies  for  the 
court, 

B  4  The 


t  J  OHN  SON'S    POEMS* 

»"  The  cheated  nation's  happy  favVites,  fee  ! 
Mark  whom  the  great  carefs,  who  frown  on  mc  t 
London  !  the  needy  villain's  gen'ral  home. 
The  common-fewer  of  Paris,  and  of  Rome  ; 
With  eager  thirft,  by  folly  or  by  fate. 
Sucks  in  the  dregs  of  each  corrupted  ftate. 
Forgive  my  tranfports  on  a  theme  like  this, 
"  I  cannot  bear  a  French  metropolis. 

**  Illuftrious  Edward  I  from  the  realms  of  day. 
The  land  of  heroes  and  of  faints  furvey  ; 
Nor  hope  tlie  Britifh  lineaments  to  trace. 
The  ruftick  grandeur,  or  the  furly  grace. 
But  loft  in  thoughtlefs  eafe,  and  empty  fhow. 
Behold  the  warrior  dwindled  to  a  beau  ; 
Senfe,  freedom,  piety,  refin'd  away. 
Of  France  the  mimick,  and  of  Spain  the  prey. 

All  that  at  home  no  more  can  beg  or  fteal. 
Or  like  a  gibbet  better  than  a  wheel ; 
Kifs'd  from  the  ftage,  or  hooted  from  the  court;, 
Their  air,  their  drefs,  their  politicks  import ; 
F"  Obfequious,  artful,  voluble  and  gay. 
On  Britain's  fond  credulity  they  prey. 

m  Quae  nunc  divitibus  gens  acceptiffima  noftrls, 
Et  quos  praecipue  fugiam,  properabo  fateri. 

n  -  '         Non  poflTum  ferre,  Qu'rites, 
Graecam  urbem. 

o  Rufticus  il!e  tuus  fumit  trechedipna,  Quirlnej 
Et  ceron^atico  fert  niceteria  coUo. 

F  Ingeaium  velox,  audacia  perdlta,  fermo 
FtompCus..— — — 


No 


LONDON:    APOEM,  9 

No  gainful  trade  their  induftry  can  Tcape, 

s  They  fing,  they  dance,  clean  Ihoes,  or  cure  a  clap  : 

All  fciences  a  fafring  Monfieur  knows. 

And  bid  him  go  to  hell,  to  hell  he  goes. 

r  Ah  !  what  avails  it,  that,  from  flav'ry  far, 
I  drew  the  breath  of  life  in  Englifli  air  ; 
Was  early  taught  a  Briton's  right  to  prize. 
And  lifp  the  tale  of  Henry's  viiflories  ; 
If  the  gull'd  conqueror  receives  the  chain. 
And  flattery  prevails  when  arms  are  vain  ? 

•  Studious  to  pleafe,  and  ready  to  fubmit. 
The  fupple  Gaul  was  born  a  parafite  : 
Sail  to  his  int'reft  true,  where'er  he  goes. 
Wit,  brav'ry,  worth,  his  lavifh  tongue  bellows  ; 
In  ev'ry  face  a  thcufand  graces  fhine. 
From  ev'ry  tongue  flows  harmony  divine. 
^  Thefe  arts  in  vain  our  rugged  natives  try. 
Strain  out  with  fault'ring  diffidence  a  lie, 
And  get  a  kicli  for  aukward  flattery. 

Befides,  with  juilice,  this  difcerning  age 
Admu-es  their  won'drous  talents  for  the  flage  : 

q  Augur,  fchoenobates,  medlcus,  magus:  omnia  novit, 
Graeculus  efariens,  in  coelum,  juflferis,  ibit. 

r  Ufque  aieo  nihil  e.1,  quod  noftra  infantia  ccelum 
Haufit  Avendni  ?  ■•■  ♦ 

•  Q^id  ?  quod  adulandi  g?ns  prudentifiima,  laudat 
Sermonem  indocti,  faciem  deformls  amici  ? 

t  Hsc  eadem  licet  3c  nobis  iaudaie  ;  fed  illis 
Creditur.— — — — • 

WeU 


,o  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

^  Well  may  they  venture  on  the  mimick's  art, 
Who  play  from  morn  to  night  a  borrow'd  part ; 
Praftis'd  their  mailer's  notions  to  embrace. 
Repeat  his  maxims,  and  refled:  his  face ; 
With  ev'ry  wild  abfurdity  comply. 
And  view  each  objeift  with  another's  eye  ; 
To  fiiake  with  laughter  ere  the  jeil  they  hear. 
To  pour  at  will  the  counterfeited  tear  ; 
And  as  their  patron  hints  the  cold  or  heat. 
To  fnake  in  dog-days,  in  December  fweat. 

^^  How,  when  competitors  like  thefe  contend. 
Can  furly  virtue  hope  to  fix  a  friend  ? 
Slaves  that  with  ferious  impudence  beguile. 
And  lie  without  a  blulli,  without  a  fmile  ; 
Exalt  each  trifle,  ev'ry  vice  adore. 
Your  tafle  in  fnuff,  your  judgment  in  a  whore; 
Can  Balbo's  eloquence  applaud,  and  fwear 
He  gropes  his  breeches  with  a  monarch's  air. 

For  arts  like  thefe  preferr'd,  admir'd,  carefs'd. 
They  iirll  invade  your  table,  then  your  breall  j 
*  Explore,  your  fecrets  with  infidious  ait. 
Watch  the  weak  hour,  and  ranfack  all  the  heart  5 

u  Katio  como?da  eft.     Rides  ?  majore  cachinno 
Concutltur,  Sec. 

w  Non  fumus  ergo  pares :  mellcr,  qui  femper  &  omni 
Node  dieque  poteft  aiienum  fumeie  vultum, 
A  facie  jactare  manus  :  laudare  pararus. 
Si  bene  ruftavit,  fi  redlum  niinxit  amicus m 

^  Scire  volunt  fecreta  domu?,  at<iue  inde  timeri. 

Then 


LONDON:    APOEM.  tj, 

Then  foon  your  ill-plac'd  confidence  repay. 
Commence  your  lords,  and  govern  or  betray. 

y  By  numbers  here  from  fhame  or  cenfure  (rte. 
All  crimes  are  ialQ  but  hated  poverty. 
This,  only  this,  the  rigid  law  purfues. 
This,  only  this,  provokes  the  fnarling  mufe. 
The  fober  trader  at  a  tatter'd  cloak. 
Wakes  from  his  dream,  and  labours  for  a  joke  ; 
With  briiker  air  the  filken  courtiers  gaze. 
And  turn  die  varied  taunt  a  thoufand  ways. 
»  Of  all  the  griefs  that  harafs  the  diflrefs'd  ; 
Sure  the  moil  bitter  is  a  fcornful  jeft ; 
Fate  never  wounds  more  deep  the  gen'rous  heartj, 
Than  when  a  blockhead's  infult  points  the  dart. 

'*  Has  heaven  referv'd,  in  pity  to  the  poor. 
No  pathlefs  wafte,  or  undifcover'd  fhore  ? 
No  fecret  ifland  in  the  boundlefs  main  ? 
No  peaceful  defert  yet  unclaim'd  *  by  Spain  ? 
Quick  let  us  rife>  the  happy  feats  explore. 
And  bear  oppreliion's  iniblence  no  more. 


7  Mate n em  przebet  caufafque  jocomm 

Omnibus  hie  idem  ?  fi  fcja  &  fcifla  lacerna,  &c» 

«  Nil  habet  infelix  paupertas  durius  in  fe, 
Qu^am  quod  ridiculos  homines  facie 


■Agmine  fadlo. 


Debuerant  olim  tenues  migrafie  Qu'rltes. 

*  The  Spaniards  at  tills  tims  were  faid  to  make  claim  to  fome-of 
tur  American  provinces. 

This 


i»  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

This  moui-nful  truth  is  ev'ry  where  confefs'd, 
^  Slow  rises  worth,   by  poverty  depressed: 
But  here  more  flow,  where  all  are  flaves  to  gold. 
Where  looks  are  merchandife,  and  fmiles  are  fold  ; 
Where  won  by  bribes,  by  flatteries  implor'd. 
The  groom  retails  the  favours  of  his  lord. 

But  hark  !   th'  affrighted  crowd's  tumultuous  cries 
Roll  through  the  fl;reets,  and  thunder  to  the  fkies  : 
Rais'd  from  fome  pleaflng  dream  of  wealth  and  pow'r. 
Some  pompous  palace,  or  fome  blifsful  bow'r, 
Aghaft  you  ftart,  and  fcarce  with  aching  fight 
Suflain  the  approaching  fire's  tremendous  light ; 
Swift  from  purfuing  horrors  take  your  way. 
And  leave  your  little  all  to  flames  a  prey; 
c  Then  thro'  the  world  a  wretched  vagrant  roam. 
For  where  can  fl:arving  merit  find  a  home  ? 
In  vain  your  mournful  narrative  difclofe. 
While  all  negled,  and  mofl:  infult  your  woes. 
"^  Should  heaven's  juft;  bolts  Orgiiio's  wealth  confound. 
And  fpread  his  flaming  palace  on  the  ground, 

b  Haud  facile  emergunt,  quorum  vlrtutibus  obftat 
Res  angiifta  domi,  fed  Romae  durlor  illis 
Conatus,— — — — 


Cum  prciio. 


■Omnia  Romae 


Coginnur,  &  cultis  augere  peculia  fervls. 

c  Ultimus  autsm 

i^rumna*  cumulus,  quod  nudum,  &  fruftra  rogantem 
Nemo  ciboj  nemo  hofpitio,  tedtoque  juvabir. 

d  Si  magna  Afturici  cecidit  domus,  horrlda  mater, 
Pullat;  proceres. 


Swift 


LONDON:    APOEM.  ij 

Swift  o'er  the  land  the  difmal  rumour  flies. 
And  publick  mournings  pacify  the  fides  ; 
The  laureat  tiibe  in  venal  verfe  relate. 
How  virtue  wars  with  perfecuting  fate  ; 
^  With  well-feign'd  gratitude  the  peniion'd  band 
Refund  the  plunder  of  the  beggar'd  land. 
See  !  while  he  builds,  the  gaudy  vaflals  come. 
And  crowd  with  fudden  wealth  the  rifmg  dome  ; 
The  price  of  boroughs  and  of  fouls  reftore  ; 
And  raife  his  treafures  higher  than  before  : 
Now  blefs'd  with  all  the  baubles  of  the  great. 
The  polilh'd  marble,  and  the  Ihining  plate, 
^  Orgilio  fees  the  golden  pile  afpire. 
And  hopes  from  angry  heav'n  another  fire. 

g  Could 'ft  thou  refign  the  park  and  play  content. 
For  the  fair  banks  of  Severn  or  of  Trent ; 
There  might'ft  thou  find  fome  elegant  retreat. 
Some  hireling  fenator's  defcrted  feat ; 
And  ftretch  thy  profpefts  o'er  the  fmiling  land,^ 
For  lefs  than  rent  the  dungeons  of  the  Strand ; 

e  Jam  accurrit,  qui  marmora  donet, 

Conferat  impenfas :  hie,  Sec. 
Hie  modium  argenti. 

^  Meliora,  ac  plura  reponit 

Perficus  orborum  lautiflimus. 

g  Si  potes  avelH  Circenfibus,  optima  Sorae, 
Aut  Fabretariae  domus,  aut  Fufinone  paratur, 
Quanti  nunc  tenebras  unum  conducis  in  annum. 
Hortulus  hie. 


Vive  bidentis  amans,  &  cult!  villicus  horti, 
Unde  epulum  pofljs  centum  dare  Fythagoreis. 


There 


ki  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

There  prune  thy  walks,  fupport  thy  drooping  flowers, 

Dire<5l  thy  rivulets,  and  twine  thy  bow'rs  ; 

And,  while  thy  grounds  a  cheap  repaft  afford, 

Defpife  the  dainties  of  a  venal  lord  : 

There  ev'ry  bulh  with  nature's  muficlc  rings. 

There  ev'ry  breeze  bears  health  upon  its  wings ; 

On  all  thy  hours  fecurity  (hall  fmile. 

And  blefs  thine  evening  walk  and  morning  toil. 

^  Prepare  for  death  if  here  at  night  you  roam. 
And  fign  your  will  before  you  fup  from  home. 
*  Some  fiery  fop,  uith  new  conmiiilion  vain. 
Who  fleeps  on  brambles  till  he  kills  his  man  ; 
Some  frolick  drunkard,  reeling  from  a  feaft. 
Provokes  a  b  oil,  and  llabs  you  for  a  jeft. 
^  Yet  ev'n  thefe  heroes,  mifchievoufly  gay. 
Lords  of  the  ftreet,  and  terrors  of  the  way ; 
Flufh'd  as  they  are  with  folly,  youth,  and  wine. 
Their  prudent  infults  to  the  poor  confine  ; 
Afar  they  mark  the  flambeau's  bright  approach. 
And  fhun  the  Ihining  train,  and  golden  coach. 

fe        ■        Poflis  Ignavus  haberi. 


Et  fubiti  cafus  improvidus,  ad  oenana  fi 
Intelhtus  eas. 

i  Ebrlus  et  petulans,  qui  nullum  forte  cecldit, 
Dat  poeiias,  noftem  patitur  lugentis  amicuna 
Peleidae.  — — — — 

t Bed,  quamvis  improbus  annls, 

Atque  mero  fervens,  cavet  hunc,  quern  coccina  laena 
Vitari  jubet,  ec  comitum  longlfTinous  ordo, 
Muhum  praeterea  iiaauiurum,  at-^ue  snea  ianipas. 


In 


LONDON:    APOEM.  15 

1  In  vaiii  thefe  dangers  pad,  your  doors  you  clofe. 
And  hope  the  balmy  bleflings  of  repofe  : 
Cruel  with  guilt,  and  daring  with  defpair. 
The  midnight  murd'rer  burfts  the  faithlcfs  bar ; 
Invades  the  facred  hour  of  filent  reft. 
And  leaves,  unfeen,  a  dagger  in  your  breaft. 

»"  Scarce  can  our  fields,  fuch  crowds  at  Tyburn  die, 
Wiih  hemp  the  gallows  and  the  fieet  fupply. 
Propofe  your  fchemes,  ye  fenatorian  band, 
Whofe  *  ways  and  means  fupport  the  finking  land ; 
Left  ropes  be  wanting  in  the  tempting  fpring. 
To  rig  another  convoy  for  the  king  f . 

"  A  fmgle  gaol,  in  Alfred's  golden  reign. 
Could  half  the  nation's  criminals  contain  ; 
Fair  Juftice  then,  without  conftraint  ador'd. 
Held  high  the  fteady  fcale,  but  fheath'd  the  fword ; 
No  fpies  were  paid,  no  fpecial  juries  known, 
Bleft  age  !  but  ah  !  how  diiF'rent  from  our  own  I 

1  Nee  tamen  hoc  tantum  metuas :  nam  qui  fpoliet  te 
Non  deerlt :   claufis  domibus,  c'cc. 

ni  Maximus  in  vinclis  ferri  modus  j  ut  timeas,  ne 
Vomer  deficiat,  ne  marrae  et  farcula  defint. 

n  Felices  proavorum  atavos,  felicia  dicas 
Secula,  quae  quondam  fub  regibus  atque  tribunis 
Viderunt  uno  contentam  carcere  Romara. 

*  A  cant  term  in  the  houfe  of  commons  for  methods  of  xalfing 
money. 

•j-  The  nation  was  difcontented  at  the  vlfits  made  by  the  king  to 
Hanovert 

Much 


»«  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

°  Much  coiild  I  add, — but  fee  the  boat  at  hand. 
The  tide  retiring,  calls  me  from  the  land  : 
P  Farewell  ! — When  youth,  and  health,    and  fortune 

fpent. 
Thou  fl>'ft  for  refufe  to  the  wilds  of  Kent; 
And  tir'd  like  me  with  follies  and  with  crimes. 
In  angry  numbers  warn'ft  fucceeding  times ; 
Then  Ihall  thy  friend,  nor  thou  refufe  his  aid, 
•Still  foe  to  vice,  forfake  his  Cambrian  fhade  ; 
In  virtue's  caufe  once  more  exert  his  rage. 
Thy  fa  tire  point,  and  animate  thy  page. 

o  His  aljas  poteram,  Sc  pluries  fubnedlere  caufxs : 
SeJ  jumenU  vacant.  ■ 


Ergo  vale  noftri  memor  :   &  quoties  tc 


Roma  tuo  refici  properantem  reddet  Aquino, 
Me  quoque  ad  Eleufinam  Cererem,  veflramque  Dianam 
Convelle  a  Cumis  :  fatirarum  ego,  ni  pudet  illas, 
Adj^tor  gelidos  veniam  caJigatus  in  agros. 


THB 


[     17     ] 
THE 

VANITY  OF  HUMAN  WISHES, 

IN    IMITATION    OF    THE 

TENTH  SATIRE  OF  JUVENAL. 

T     E  T  *  obfervation  with  extenflve  view, 
■*— '  Survey  mankind,  from  China  to  Peru  ; 
Remark  each  anxious  toil,  each  eager  ftrife. 
And  watch  the  bufy  fcenes  of  crowded  life  ; 
Then  fay  how  hope  and  fear,  defire  and  hate, 
O'erfpread  with  fnares  the  clouded  maze  of  fate. 
Where  wav'ring  man,  betray'd  by  vent'rous  pride. 
To  tread  the  drear}'  paths  without  a  guide  ; 
As  treach'rous  phantoms  in  the  mift  delude. 
Shuns  fancied  ills,  or  chafes  airy  good. 
How  rarely  reafon  guides  the  ftubborn  choice. 
Rules  the  bold  hand,  or  prompts  the  fuppliant  voice. 
How  nations  fink,  by  darling  fchem.es  opprefs'd. 
When  vengeance  liftens  to  the  fool's  requeft. 
Fate  wings  with  ev'ry  wifh  th'  afHitflive  cart. 
Each  gift  of  nature,  and  each  grace  of  art. 
With  fatal  heat  impetuous  courage  glows. 
With  fatal  fvveemefs  elocution  flows, 

•  Ver.  I  — II. 
Vol.  LXXII.  C  But 


j8  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Jmpeachment  flops  the  fpeaker's  pow'rful  breath. 
And  refllefs  fire  precipitates  on  death. 

*  But  fcarce  obferv'd,  the  knowing  and  the  bold. 
Fall  in  the  gen'ral  mafTacre  of  gold  ; 
Wide-wafting  pcft  !   that  rages  unconfin'd, 
And  crowds  with  crimes  the  records  of  mankind , 
For  gold  his  fword  the  hireling  ruffian  draws, 
P'or  gold  the  hireling  judge  diilorts  the  laws  ; 
Wealth  heap'd  on  wealth,  nor  truth  nor  fafety  buys. 
The  dangers  gather  as  the  treafures  rife. 

Let  hift'ry  tell  where  rival  kings  command. 
And  dubious  dtle  fnakes  the  madded  land. 
When  ftatutes  glean  the  refufe  of  tiie  fword. 
How  much  more  fafe  the  vafTal  than  the  lord ; 
Low  fculks  the  hind  beneath  the  rage  of  pow'r. 
And  leaves  the  wealthy  traitor  in  the  Tow'r, 
Untouch'd  his  cottage,  and  his  {lumbers  found, 
Tho'  confifcation's  vultures  hover  round. 

The  needy  traveller,  ferene  and  gay. 
Walks  the  wild  heath,  and  fmgs  his  toil  away. 
Does  envy  feize  thee  r  crulh  th'  upbraiding  joy, 
Increafe  his  riches  and  his  peace  deftroy. 
Now  fears  in  dire  vicilfitude  invade. 
The  ruftling  brake  alarms,  and  quiv'ring  Ihade, 
Nor  light  nor  darknefs  bring  his  pain  relief. 
One  fhews  the  plunder,  and  one  hides  the  thief. 

Yet  f  ftill  one  gen'ral  cry  the  fides  aflails. 
And  gain  and  grandeur  load  the  tainted  gales  ; 


•  Ver,  I2~a2.  f  Vcr,  3-3—27. 


Few 


THE  VANITY  OF  HUMAN  WISHES.        19 

Few  know  the  toiling  Ilatefman's  fear  or  care, 
Th'  iiifidious  rival  and  the  gaping  heir. 

Once  *  more,  Democritus,  arife  on  earth. 
With  cheerful  wifJom  and  infti-uvTlive  mirth. 
See  motley  life  in  modern  trappings  drefs'd. 
And  feed  with  varied  fools  th'  eternal  jeft  : 
Thou  who  couldll  laugh  where  want  enchain'd  caprice, 
Toil  crufh'd  conceit,  and  man  was  of  a  piece  ; 
Where  wealth  unlov'd  without  a  mourner  dy'd ; 
And  fcarce  a  fycophant  was  fed  by  pride  ; 
Where  ne'er  was  known  the  form  of  mock  debate. 
Or  feen  a  new-made  mayor's  unwieldy  flate ; 
Where  change  of  fav 'rites  made  no  change  of  laws. 
And  fenates  heard  before  they  judg'd  a  caufe  ; 
How  wouldft  thou  ihake  at  Britain's  modilh  tribe, 
Dait  the  quick  taunt,  and  edge  the  piercing  gibe  ? 
Attentive  truth  and  nature  to  defer}-. 
And  pierce  each  fcene  with  philofophick  e}-c. 
To  thee  were  folemn  toys  or  empty  fnow. 
The  robes  of  pleafure  and  the  veils  of  woe  : 
Ail  aid  the  farce,  and  all  thy  mirth  maintain, 
Whofe  joys  are  caufelefs,  or  whofe  griefs  are  vain. 

Such  was  the  fcorn  that  fill'd  the  fage*s  mind, 
Renew'd  at  every  glance  on  human  kind  ; 
How  jufl  that  fcorn  ere  yet  thy  voice  declare. 
Search  every  flate,  and  canvafs  ev'ry  pray'r. 

f  Unnumber'd  fuppliants  crowd  Preferment's  gate, 
A  thirrt  for  wealth,  and  burning  to  be  great; 

*  Ver.  28—55,  t  Ver.  56  —  107. 

C  2  Delu- 


^  JOHNSON'S    POEM  5. 

Delufive  Fortune  hears  th*  inceflant  call. 
They  mount,  they  ihine,  evaporate,  and  fall. 
On  ev'ry  ftage  the  foes  of  peace  attend. 
Hate  dogs  their  flight,  and  infult  mocks  their  encL 
Love  ends  with  hope,  the  fmking  ftatefman's  door 
Pours  in  the  morning  worl"hipper  no  more; 
For  growing  names  the  weekly  fcribbler  lies. 
To  growing  wealth  the  dedicator  flies ; 
From  ev'ry  room  defcends  the  painted  face. 
That  hung  the  bright  palladium  of  the  place,. 
And  fmoak'd  in  kitchens,  or  in  auftions  fold. 
To  better  features  yields  the  frame  of  gold  ; 
For  now  no  more  v/e  trace  in  ev'ry  line 
Heroick  worth,  benevolence  divine  : 
The  form  diftorted  jullifies  the  fall. 
And  deteftation  rids  th'  indignant  wall. 

But  will  not  Britain  hear  the  laft  appeal. 
Sign  her  foes  doom,  or  guard  her  fav'rites  zeal? 
Thro''  Freedom's  fons  no  more  remonftrance  rings. 
Degrading  nobles  and  controuling  kings  ; 
Our  flipple  tribes  reprefs  their  patriot  throats. 
And  a^  no  queftions  bat  the  price  of  votes  > 
'U''ith  weekly  libels  and  feptennial  ale. 
Their  willi  is  full  to  riot  and  to  rail. 

In  full-blown  dignity,  fee  Wolfey  fl:and'. 
Law  in  his  voice,  and  fortune  in  his  hand  : 
To  him  the  church,  the  realm,  their  pow'rs  conflgn. 
Thro'  him  the  rays  of  regal  bounty  fliine, 
Turn'd  by  his  nod  the  flream  of  honour  flows, 
His  fmile  alone  fecurity  bellows  : 

Siill 


THE  VANITY  OF  HUMAN  WISHES.        a, 

Still  to  new  heights  his  reftlefs  wiihes  tow'r ; 
Claim  leads  to  claim,  and  pow'r  advances  pow'r; 
Till  conqueft  unrefiHed  ceas'd  to  pleafe. 
And  rights  fubmitted,  left  him  noae  to  feize. 
At  length  his  fov'reign  frowns — the  train  of  ftate 
Mark  the  keen  glance,  and  watch  the  iign  to  hate. 
Where-e'er  he  turns  he  meets  a  Granger's  eye. 
His  fuppliants  fcorn  him,  xind  his  followers  fly; 
Now  drops  at  once  the  pride  of  awful  Hate, 
The  golden  canopy,  the  glitt'ring  plate. 
The  regal  palace,  the  luxurious  board. 
The  liv'ried  army,  and  the  menial  lord. 
With  age,  with  cares,  with  maladies  opprefs'd. 
He  feeks  the  refuge  of  monallick  rell. 
Grief  aids  difeafe,  remember'd  folly  ilings. 
And  his  laft  fighs  reproach  the  faith  of  kings. 

Speak  thou,  whofe  thoughts  at  humble  peace  repine^ 
Shall  Wolfey's  wealth,  with  WoHey's  end  be  thine  f 
Or  liv'ft  thou  now,  with  fafer  pride  content. 
The  wifeft  juftice  on  the  banks  of  Trent  ? 
For  why  did  Wolfey  near  the  fteeps  of  fate. 
On  weak  foundations  raiie  th'  enormous  weight  ? 
Why  but  to  fmk  beneath  misfortune's  blow, 
Wich  louder  ruin  to  the  gulphs  below  ? 

What  *  gave  great  Villiers  to  th'  aifafTin's  knife. 
And  fix'd  difeafe  on  Harley's  doling  life  ? 
What  murder'd  Wentwortb,  and  what  exil'd  Hyde, 
By  kings  protected,  and  to  kings  ally'd  ? 

*  Ver,  ic8— 113* 

C  3  What 


li  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

What  but  their  wifh  indulg'd  in  courts  to  fhine. 
And  pow'r  too  great  to  keep,  or  to  refign  ? 

When  *  firrt  the  college  rolls  receive  his  name. 
The  young  enthufiafl  quits  his  eafe  for  fame  ; 
Refirtlefs  burns  the  fever  of  renown. 
Caught  from  the  ftrong  contagion  of  the  gown  : 
O'er  Bodlcy's  dome  his  future  labours  fpread. 
And  f  Bacon's  manfion  trembles  o'er  his  head. 
Are  thefe  thy  views  ?  proceed,  illulirious  youth, 
A^nd  Virtue  guard  thee  to  the  throne  of  Truth  1 
Yet  fhould  thy  foul  indulge  the  gen'rous  heat. 
Till  captive  Science  yields  her  lail  retreat ; 
Should  Reafon  guide  thee  with  her  brightefl:  ray. 
And  pour  on  miity  Doubt  refilllefs  day ; 
Should  no  falfe  kindnefs  lure  to  locfe  delight. 
Nor  praife  relax,  nor  diificuky  fright ; 
Should  tempting  Novelty  thy  cell  refrain. 
And  Sloth  eiFufe  her  opiate  fumes  in  vain  ; 
Should  Beauty  blunt  on  fops  her  fatal  dart. 
Nor  claim  the  triumph  of  a  ktter'd  heart ; 
Should  no  Difeafe  thy  torpid  veins  invade. 
Nor  Melancholy's  phantoms  haunt  thy  fliade ; 
Yet  hope  not  life  from  grief  or  danger  free. 
Nor  think  the  doom  of  man  revers'd  for  thee  : 
Deign  on  the  pafTing  world  to  turn  thine  eyes. 
And  paufe  a  while  from  learning,  to  be  wife  ; 

*  Ver.  !  14  —  I  32. 

*  There  Is  a  tradilion,  that  the  ftudy  of  friar  Bacon,  built  on  an 
arch  over  the  biiJ^jC,  will  fall,  when  a  va^^  greater  liian  Bacon  fiiall 
pafs  under  it. 

There 


TPIE  VANITY  OF  HUMAN  WISHES.        ^i 

There  mark  what  ills  the  fcholar's  life  aflail, 
Toili  envy,  want,  the  patron,  and  the  jail. 
See  naiions  flov/ly  wife,  and  meanly  juft. 
To  buiied  merit  raife  tlie  tardy  buft. 
If  dreams  yet  flatter,  once  again  attend. 
Hear  Lydiat's  life  *,  and  Galileo's  end. 

Nor  deem,  when  Learning  her  lail  prize  beftovvs. 
The  glitt'ring  eminence  exempt  from  foes  ; 
See  when  the  vulgar  'fcapes,  defpis'd  or  aw'd. 
Rebellion's  vengeful  talon5  feize  on  Laud. 
From  meaner  minds,  tho'  fmaller  fiaes  content 
The  plunder'd  palace  or  fequefter'd  rent ; 
Mark'd  cat  by  dangVous  parts  he  meets  the  fhock, 
Aud  fatal  Learnirp-  leads  him  to  the  block : 
Around  his  tomb  let  An  and  Genius  Vv'eep, 
But  hear  his  death,  ye  blockheads,  hear  and  fleep. 

*  A  very  learned  divine  and  mathematician,  fellow  of  Ke'.v  Col- 
lege Oxford,  and  rcdlor  of  Okerton  near  Banbury.  Ke  wrote, 
among  many  others,  a  Latin  Trealife  De  Natura  Cell,  Sec.  in  which 
he  attacked  the  fentiments  of  Scaliger  and  Ariftode;  not  bearing  to 
hear  it  urged  that  fome  th-ngs  are  true  in  philofophy  and  falfe  in 
divinity.  He  made  above  fix  hundred  fermnns  on  the  harmony  of 
the  Evangelifts.  Beir.g  unfuccefsful  in  publ.fhing  his  works,  he  lay 
in  the  prifon  of  Bocardo  at  Oxford,  and  the  king's-bench  5  till  bi- 
fliop  Uiher,  Dr.  Laud,  Sir  W.liiam  Bjfwell,  and  Dr.  Pink,  re'.eafed 
him  by  pay'ng  his  debts.  Hz  petitioned  King  Charles  I,  to  be  fenc 
into  Eihiopia,  'cc.  to  procure  MS3.  Hav'ng  fpoke  in  favour  of 
monarchy  and  bifhop"=,  he  was  plundered  by  the  parliament  forces, 
and  twice  carried  away  prlfoner  from  his  rectoiy  ;  and  afterwards  had 
jiot  a  ihirt  to  Hiif:  h  m  in  three  months,  without  he  borrowed  it,  and 
died  very  poor  in  1646, 

C  ±  The 


24  J  OHNS  ON's    POEMS. 

The  *  feflaJ  blazes,  the  triumphal  ihow. 
The  ravilTi'd  llandard,  and  the  captive  foe. 
The  fenate's  thanks,  the  gazette's  pompous  tale. 
With  force  refilllefs  o'er  the  brave  prevail. 
Such  bribes  the  rapid  Greek  o'er  Afia  whirl'd. 
For  fuch  the  lleady  Romans  (hook  the  world  j 
For  fuch  in  diftant  lands  the  Britons  fhine. 
And  Hain  with  blood  the  Danube  or  the  Rhine  ; 
This  pow'r  has  praife,  that  virtue  fcarce  can  warm. 
Till  fame  fupplies  the  univerfal  charm. 
Yet  Reafon  frowns  on  War's  unequal  game. 
Where  walled  nations  raife  a  fmgle  name. 
And  mortgag'd  ftates  their  grandfires  wreaths  regret. 
From  age  to  age  in  everlafting  debt ; 
Wreaths  which  at  lail  the  dear-bought  right  convey 
To  rufl  on  medals,  or  on  ftones  decay. 

On  I  what  foundation  flands  the  warrior's  pride, 
Kow  juft  his  hopes  let  Svvedifli  Charles  decide  ; 
A  frame  of  adamant,  a  foul  of  fire. 
No  dangers  fright  him,  and  no  labours  tire ; 
O'er  love,  o'er  fear,  extends  his  wide  domain, 
Unconquer'd  lord  of  pleafure  and  of  pain  ; 
No  joys  to  him  pacifick  fcepters  yield. 
War  founds  the  trump,  he  rufhes  to  the  field  ; 
Behold  furrounding  kings  their  pow'r  combine. 
And  one  capitulate,  and  one  refign ; 
peace  courts  his  hand,  but  fpreads  her  charms  in  vain ; 
*'  Think  nothing  gain'd,  he  cries,  till  nought  remain, 

*  Ver.  133  —  146.  -f  Ver.  147  —  167. 

"  On 


THE  VANITY  OF  HUMAN  WISHES.        %$ 

"  On  Mofcow's  walls  till  Gothick  ftandards  fty, 

**  And  all  be  mine  beneath  the  polar  fky.'* 

The  march  begins  in  military  ftate. 

And  nations  on  his  eye  fufpendsd  wait ; 

Stern  Famine  guard:,  the  folitary  coalt. 

And  Winter  barricades  the  realms  of  FioR ; 

He  comes,  nor  want  nor  cold  his  courfe  delay  ;— . 

Hide,  blufhing  Glory,  hide  Pultowa's  day  : 

The  vanquilh'd  hero  leaves  his  broken  bands. 

And  (hews  his  miferies  in  diflant  lands  ; 

Condemn'd  a  needy  lupplicant  to  wait. 

While  ladies  interpofe,  and  flaves  debate. 

But  did  not  Chance  at  length  her  error  mend  ? 

Did  no  fubverted  empire  mark  his  end  ? 

Did  rival  monarchs  give  the  fatal  wound  ? 

Or  hoftile  miliions  prefs  him  to  the  ground  ? 

His  fall  was  deftin'd  to  a  barren  ftrand, 

A  petty  fortrefs,  and  a  dubious  hand  ; 

He  left  the  name,  at  which  the  world  grew  pale. 

To  point  a  moral,  or  adorn  a  tale. 

All  *  times  their  fcenes  of  pompous  woes  afford. 
From  Perfia's  tyrant,  to  Bavaria's  lord. 
In  gay  hoftility,  and  barb'rous  pride. 
With  half  mankind  embattled  at  his  fide. 
Great  Xerxes  comes  to  feize  the  certain  prey. 
And  ftarves  exhaufted  regions  in  his  way  ; 
Attendant  Flatt'ry  counts  his  myriads  o'er, 
7'ill  counted  myriads  Ibcth  his  pride  no  more  j 

•  Ver.  168-187, 

JFrefh 


i6  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Frefli  praife  is  try'd  till  madnefs  fires  his  mind. 

The  waves  he  lalhe^,  and  enchains  the  wind  ; 

New  pow'rs  are  ciaim'd,  new  pow'rs  are  idll  beflow'd. 

Till  rude  refillance  lops  the  fpreading  god ; 

The  daring  Greeks  deride  tne  rnartiai  Inow, 

And  heap  their  vallies  with  the  gaudy  foe  ; 

Th'  infuited  fea  with  humbler  thougnts  he  gains, 

A  iingle  rk.ifr  to  fpeed  his  flight  remains ; 

Th'  incumber'd  oar  fcarce  leaves  the  dreaded  coafl 

Through  purple  billows  and  a  floating  hoft. 

The  bold  Bavarian,  in  a  luckiefs  hour. 
Tries  the  dread  fummits  of  Caefarean  pow'r. 
With  unexpeded  legions  burfts  away. 
And  fees  defencelefs  realms  receive  liis  Avay  ; 
Short  fway  !  fair  Aullria  fpreads  her  mournful  charms. 
The  queen,  the  beauty,  fcts  the  world  in  arms  ; 
From  hill  to  liill  the  beacons  roufinp^  blaze 

O 

Spreads  wide  the  hope  of  plunder  and  of  praife; 

The  fierce  Croation,  and  the  v/ild  Huflar, 

Vv'ith  all  the  fons  of  ravage  crowd  the  war ; 

The  bafRed  prince  in  honour's  flatt'ring  bloom 

Of  hally  greatnefs  finds  the  fatal  doom. 

His  foes  derifion,  and  ah  fubjc6ls  blame. 

And  Heals  to  death  from  anguiih  and  from  fliame. 

Enlarge  *  my  life  with  multitude  of  days. 
In  health,  in  ficknefs,  thus  the  fuppliant  prays  ; 
Hides  from  himfelf  his  flate,  and  ftiuns  to  know. 
That  lite  protracted,  is  protraded  woe. 

•  Ver.  1S8-2S8. 

Time 


THE  VANITY  OF  HUxMAN  WISHES.        ^^ 

Time  hovers  o'er,  impatient  to  deflroy. 

And  (huts  up  all  the  pafTages  of  joy  : 

In  vain  their  gifts  the  bounteous  feafons  pour. 

The  fruit  autumnal,  and  the  vernal  flow'r. 

With  liftlefs  eyes  the  dotard  views  the  {lore. 

He  views,  and  wonders  that  they  pleafe  no  more ; 

Now  pail  the  taftelefs  meats,  and  joylefs  wines. 

And  Luxury  with  fighs  her  Have  refjgns. 

Approach,  ye  minftrels,  try  the  fcothing  ilrain, 

DifFufe  the  tuneful  lenitives  of  pain  : 

No  founds,  alas  !  would  touch  th'  impervious  ear. 

Though  dancing  mountains  v.itnefs'd  Orpheus  near  ; 

Nor  lute  nor  lyre  his  feeble  pow'rs  attend. 

Nor  fweeter  mufick  of  a  virtuous  friend. 

But  everlafting  dictates  crowd  his  tongue, 

Perverfely  grave,  or  pofitively  wrong. 

The  ftill  returning  tale,  and  ling'ring  jeft. 

Perplex  the  fawning  niece  and  pamper'd  guefl. 

While  growing  hopes  fcarce  awe  the  gath'ring  fneer. 

And  fcarce  a  legacy  can  bribe  to  hear ; 

The  watchful  guells  fiili  hint  the  laft  offence. 

The  daughter's  petulance,  the  fon's  expence. 

Improve  his  heady  rzgo.  with  treach'rous  Ikill, 

And  mould  his  paiTiorts  till  they  make  his  will. 

Unnumber'd  maladies  his  joints  invade. 
Lay  fiege  to  life,  and  prefs  the  dire  blockade ; 
But  unextinguifh'd  Av'rice  Hill  remalr.s. 
And  dreaded  loffes  aggravate  his  pains  ; 
He  turns,  with  anxious  heart  and  crippled  hands. 
Mis  bonds  of  debt,  and  mortgage!)  of  lands; 

Or 


iS  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Or  views  his  coffers  with  fufpicious  eyes. 
Unlocks  his  gold,  and  counts  it  till  he  dies. 

But  grant,  the  virtues  of  a  temp'rate  prime 
Blefs  with  an  age  exempt  from  fcorn  or  crime  j 
An  age  that  melts  with  unperceiv'd  decay. 
And  glides  in  modeft  innocence  away  ; 
Whofe  peaceful  day  Benevolence  endears, 
Whofe  night  congratulating  Confcience  cheers  ; 
The  gen'ral  fav'rite  as  the  genVal  friend : 
Such  age  there  is,  and  who  Ihall  wifh  its  end  ? 

Yet  ev'n  on  this  her  load  Misfortune  flings. 
To  prefs  the  weary  minutes  flagging  wings  ; 
New  forrow  rifes  as  the  day  returns, 
A  fifter  fickens,  or  a  daughter  mourns. 
Now  kindred  Merit  fills  the  fable  bier. 
Now  lacerated  Friend  (hip  claims  a  tear. 
Year  chafes  year,  decay  purfues  decay, 
iStill  drops  fome  joy  from  with'ring  life  away  ; 
New  forms  arife,  and  diff 'rent  views  engage, 
.Superfluous  lags  the  vet'ran  on  the  flage. 
Till  pit^/ing  Nature  figns  the  lafl  releafe. 
And  bids  afflided  worth  retire  to  peace. 

But  few  there  are  whom  hours  like  thefe  await. 
Who  fet  unclouded  in  the  gulphs  of  Fate, 
from  Lydia's  monarch  fliould  the  fearch  defcend. 
By  Solon  caution'd  to  regard  his  end. 
In  life's  laft  fcene  what  prodigies  furprife. 
Fears  of  the  brave,  and  follies  of  the  wife  ? 
From  Marlb'rough's  eyes  the  flreams  of  dotage  flow. 
And  Swift  expires  a  driy'ler-and  a  (how. 

The 


THE  VANITY  OF  HUxMAN  WISHES.        29 

The  *  teeming  mother,  anxiou:!  for  her  race. 
Begs  for  each  birtli  the  fortune  of  a  face : 
Yet  \'ane  could  tell  what  ills  froni  beauty  fpring  ; 
And  Sedley  curs'd  tlie  form  that  pleas 'd  a  kirig. 
Ye  nymphs  of  rofy  lips  and  radiant  eyes. 
Whom  Pleafure  keeps  too  bufy  to  be  wife. 
Whom  joys  with  foft  varieties  inWte, 
By  day  the  frolick,  and  the  dance  by  night. 
Who  frown  with  vanit}',  who  fmile  with  art. 
And  afk  the  late^  falhion  of  the  heart. 
What  care,  what  rules  your  heedlefs  charms  fiiall  fave. 
Each  nymph  your  rival,  and  each  youth  your  flave  ? 
Againil  your  fame  with  fcndnefs  hate  ccmbines. 
The  rival  batters,  and  the  lover  mines. 
With  diHant  voice  neglected  \^irtue  calls, 
Lefs  heard  and  iefs,  the  faint  remonilrancs  falls  ; 
Tir'd  with  contempt,  flie  quits  the  flipp'ry  reign. 
And  Pride  and  Prudence  take  her  feat  in  vain. 
In  crowd  at  once,  where  none  the  pafs  defend. 
The  harmleis  freedom,  and  the  private  friend. 
The  guardians  yield,  by  force  fuperior  ply'd  ; 
To  Int'reil,  Prudence ;  and  to  Flatt'ry,  Pride. 
Here  Beaut}^  falls  betray'd,  defpis'd,  dilbefs'd. 
And  hilling  Infamy  proclaims  the  reft. 

Where  f  then  ihaii  Hope  and  Fear  their  objetfh  find  ? 
Mull  dull  Sufpenfe  corrupt  the  ftagnant  mind  ? 
Muft  helplefs  man,  in  ignorance  fedate. 
Roll  darkling  down  the  torrent  of  his  fate  ? 

*  Ver.  1S9— 345.  f  Ver.  346—366. 

Muil 


30  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Mull  no  diilike  alarm,  no  willies  rife. 

No  cries  invoke  the  mercies  of  the  fkies  ? 

Enquirer,  ceafe,  petitions  yet  remain. 

Which  heav'n  may  hear,  nor  deem  religion  vain. 

Still  raife  for  good  the  fupplicating  voice. 

But  leave  to  heav'n  the  meafure  and  the  choice. 

Safe  in  his  pow'r,  v.hofe  eyes  difcern  afar 

The  fecret  ambufn  of  a  fpecious  pray'r. 

Implore  his  aid,  in  his  decifions  reft. 

Secure  whate'er  he  gives,  he  gives  the  beft. 

Yet  when  the  fenfe  of  facred  prefence  fires. 

And  ftrong  devotion  to  the  fkies  afpires. 

Pour  forth  thy  fervours  for  a  healthful  mind. 

Obedient  palTions,  and  a  will  refign'd  ; 

For  love,  which  fcarce  colle^ive  man  can  fill ; 

For  patience,  fov'reign  o'er  tranfmuted  ill ; 

For  faith,  thr.t  panting  for  a  happier  feat. 

Counts  death  kind  Nature's  fignal  of  retreat : 

Thefe  goods  for  man  the  laws  of  heav'n  ordain, 

Thefe  goods  he  grants,  who  grants  the  pow'r  to  gain 

With  thefe  celelHal  V/ifdom  calms  the  mind. 

And  makes  the  happinefs  ftie  does  not  find. 


PRO^ 


[     31     ] 


PROLOGUE 

Spoken  by  Mr.  Garrick, 

At  the  Opening  of  the  Theatre  Royal,  Drury-Lane, 

1747- 

"ITT" HEN  Learning's  triumph  o'er  her  barbarous 

^  ^  foes 

Firft  rear'd  the  flage,  immortal  Shakefpeare  rofe  ; 
Each  change  of  many-colcur'd  life  he  drew, 
Exhaufted  worlds,  and  then  imagin'd  new  : 
Exiilence  faw  liim  fpurn  her  bounded  reign> 
And  panting  time  toil'd  after  him  in  vain. 
His  powerful  Icrokes  preiiding  truth  imprefs'd> 
And  unrefiHed  paffion  ftcrm'd  the  breaft. 

Then  Jonfon  came,  inftrufted  from  the  fchool. 
To  pleafc  in  method,  and  invent  by  rule  ; 
His  liudious  patience  and  laborious  art. 
By  regular  approach  eifay'd  the  heart : 
Cold  approbation  gave  the  lingering  bays ; 
For  thofe  who  durft  not  cenfure,  fcarce  could  praife. 
A  mortal  born,  he  met  the  gen'ral  doom. 
But  left,  like  iigypt's  kings,  a  lafting  tomb. 

The  wits  of  Charles  found  eafier  ways  to  fame. 
Nor  wilh'd  for  Jonfon's  art,  or  Shakefpeare's  dame. 
Themfelves  they  ftudied  ;  as  they  felt,  they  writ : 
Intrigue  was  plot,  obfcenit/  was  wit. 

Vice 


54  JOHNSONS    P  O  E  xM  S. 

Vice  always  found  a  fympathetlck  friend ; 

They  pleas'd  their  age,  and  did  not  aim  to  men^. 

Yet  bards  like  thefe  afpir'd  to  lading  praife. 

And  proudly  hop'd  to  pimp  in  future  days. 

Their  caufe  was  gen'ral,  their  fupports  were  llror.g  $ 

Their  flavcs  were  willing,  and  their  reign  was  long  : 

Till  fhame  regain'd  the  port  that  fenfe  betray'd. 

And  inrtue  call'd  oblivion  to  her  aid. 

Then  crufh'd  by  rules,  and  weakened  as  refinMi 
For  years  the  pow'r  of  tragedy  declin'd  j 
From  bard  to  bard  the  frigid  caution  crept. 
Till  declamation  roar'd  whilil:  paflion  llept ; 
Yet  ftill  did  virtue  deign  the  Hage  to  tread> 
Philofophy  remained  tho'  nature  fled. 
But  forc'd,  at  length,  her  ancient  reign  to  quiti 
She  faw  great  Faullus  lay  the  ghoft  of  wit  j 
Exulting  folly  hail'd  the  joyous  day. 
And  pantomime  and  fong  confirm'd  her  fvvay. 

But  who  the  coming  changes  can  prefage. 
And  mark  the  fature  periods  of  the  flage  ? 
Perhaps  if  (kill  could  diflant  times  explore. 
New  Behr.s,  new  Darfeys,  yet  rem.ain  in  Here  ; 
Perhaps  v^here  Lear  has  rav'd,  and  Hamlet  dy'dj. 
On  flying  cars  new  forcerers  may  ride  ; 
Perhaps  (for  who  can  guefs  th'  effects  of  chance) 
Here  Hunt  may  box,  or  Mahomet  *  may  dance. 

*  Hunt,  a  famous  boxer  on  the  ftage  ;  Mahom3t,  a  rope-dancer, 
who  had  exhibited  at  Covent-Gardcn  theatre  the  winter  before,  faid 
to  be  a  Turk. 

Hard 


MISCELLANEOUS     POExMS.        33 

Hard  is  his  lot  that  here  by  fortune  plac'd. 
Mult  watch  the  wild  viciilitudes  of  talle ; 
With  every  meteor  of  caprice  muil  play. 
And  chafe  the  new-blown  bubbles  of  the  day. 
Ah  !  let  not  cenfure  term  our  fate  our  choice. 
The  ftage  but  echoes  back  the  publick  voice ; 
The  drama's  laws,  the  drama's  patrons  give. 
For  we  that  live  to  pleafe,  mufl  pleafe  to  live. 

Then  prompt  no  more  the  follies  you  decry. 
As  tyrants  doom  their  tools  of  guilt  to  die  ; 
'Tis  yours*  this  night,  to  bid  the  reign  commence 
Of  refcu'd  nature,  and  reviving  fenfe  ; 
To  chafe  the  charms  of  found,  the  pomp  of  fhow. 
For  ufeful  mirth  and  falutary  woe  ; 
Bid  fctnick  virtue  form  the  rifmg  age. 
And  truth  diffufe  her  radiance  from  the  i\.3.ge. 


PROLOGUE 

Spoken  by  Mr.  G  a  r  Pv  i  c  k,  April  5,  1 750, 
Fefore  the  MAS  QJJ  E  of  C  O  M  U  S, 

Acted  at  Drury-Lane  Theatre,  for  the  Benefit  of 
Milton's  Grand-daughter. 

"KT' E  patriot  crowds  who  burn  for  England's  fame, 

-*•      Ye  nymphs  whofe  bofoms  beat  at  Milton's  name, 
Whofe  generous  zeal,  unbought  by  flatt'ring  rhymes. 
Shames  the  mean  pcnfions  of  Auguflan  time:; ; 

Vol.  LXXH.  D  Tmmor- 


3-4.  J  OHNS  ON's    PaE  MS-. 

Immortal  patrons  of  fuccecding  days. 

Attend  this  prelude  of  perpetual  praife  ; 

Let  wit  condemn'd  the  feeble  war  to  wage. 

With  clofe  malevolence,  or  publick  rage ; 

Let  ftudy,  worn  with  virtue's  fruitlefs  lore. 

Behold  this  theatre,  and  grieve  no  more. 

This  night,  dilHnguifh'd  by  your  fmiles,  fhall  tell 

That  never  Britain  can  in  vain  excel  > 

The  flighted  arts  futurity  fhall  truft. 

And  rifing  ages  hallen  to  be  jull. 

At  length  our  mighty  bard's  victorious  lays 
Fill  the  loud  voice  of  univerfal  praife  ; 
And  baffled  fpite,  v.ith  hopelefs  anguifli  dumb;,. 
Yields  to  renown  the  centuries  to  come  ; 
With  ardent  hafle  each  candidate  of  fame. 
Ambitious  catches  at  his  tow'ring  name  ; 
He  fees,  and  pitying  fees,  vain  wealth  beflovv 
Thofe  pageant  honours  which  he  fcorn'd  below, 
W^hile  crowds  aloft  the  laureat  buft  behold. 
Or  trace  his  form  on  circulatino-  g-old. 
Unknown — unheeded,  long  his  offspring  lay. 
And  want  hung  threat'ning  o'er  her  flow  decay. 
What  tho'  fne  fliine  with  no  Miitonian  fire. 
No  favouring  mufe  her  morning  dreams  infpire  ^ 
Yet  fofter  claims  the  melting  heart  engage. 
Her  youth  laborious,  and  her  blamelefs  age  ; 
Hers  the  m/ild  merits  of  domellick  life. 
The  patient  fufferer,  and  the  faithful  wife. 
Thus  grac'd  with  humble  virtue's  native  charms. 
Her  grandfL'-e  leaves  her  in  Britannia's  arms ; 

Secure 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        35 

Secure  with  peace,  with  competence  to  dwell. 
While  tutelary  nations  guard  her  cell. 
Yours  is  the  charge,  ye  fair,  ye  wife,  ye  brave  ! 
'Tis  yours  to  crown  defert — beyond  the  grave. 


PROLOGUE 

TO    THE    COMTIDY    OF 

THE    GOOD-NATUR'D    MAN.   1760, 

T)  REST  by  the  load  of  life,  the  weary  mind 

"*'     Surveys  the  general  toil  of  human  kind. 

With  cool  fabmiiTion  joins  the  lab'ring  train. 

And  focial  forrow  lofes  half  its  pain  ; 

Our  anxious  bard  without  complaint  may  fhare 

This  bufUing  feafon's  epidemick  care ; 

Like  Csefar's  pibt  dignify'd  by  fate. 

Toft  in  one  common  ftorm  with  all  the  great ; 

Diftreft  alike  the  ftatefm.an  and  the  wit. 

When  one  a  Borough  courts,  and  one  the  Pit. 

The  bufy  candidates  for  power  and  fame 

Have  hopes,  and  fears,  and  wifhes  juft  the  fame  ; 

Difabled  both  to  combat,  or  to  fly, 

Muft  hear  all  taunts,  and  hear  without  reply. 

Uncheck'd  on  both,  loud  rabbles  vent  their  rage. 

As  mongrels  bay  the  lion  in  a  cage. 

Th'  offended  burgefs  hoards  his  angry  tale. 

For  that  bleft  year  when  all  that  vote  may  rail ; 

D  z  Their 


36  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Their  fchemes  of  fpite  the  poet's  foes  difmifs. 
Till  that  glad  night  when  all  that  hate  may  hifs. 

*'  This  day  the  povvder'd  curb  and  golden  coat," 
Says  fuelling  Crifpin,  **  begg'd  a  cobler's  vote  ;'* 
*'  This  night  our  wit,"  the  pert  apprentice  cries, 
*'  Lies  at  my  feet ;  I  hifs  him,  and  he  dies." 
The  great,  *tis  true,  can  charm  th'  eledling  tribe,. 
The  bard  may  fupplicate,  but  cannot  bribe. 
Yet  judg'd  by  thofe  whofe  voices  ne'er  were  fold. 
He  feels  no  want  of  ill-perfuading  gold; 
But  confident  of  praife,  if  praife  be  due, 
Trufls  without  fear  to  merit  and  to  you. 


PROLOGUE 

TO    THE     COMEDY    OF 

A    WORD     TO     THE     WISE*, 

Spoken  by  Mr.  Hull. 

'  I  "*HI  S  night  prefcnts  a  play  which  publick  rage, 

■^     Or  right,  or  wrong,  once  hooted  from  the  fiagef . 
From  zeal,  or  mahce,  now  no  more  we  dread. 
For  Englifh  vengeance  war3  not  with  the  dead. 

*  Performed  at  Covent-Garden  theatre  in  1777,  for  the  benefit 
of  Mrs.  Kelly,  widow  of  Hagh  Kelly,  Efq.  (the  author  of  the  play) 
and  her  children. 

•J-  Vpon  the  firfi:  reprefentation  of  this  play,  1770,  a  party  af- 
fembled  to  damn  it,  and  fucceeded, 

A  gene- 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        37 

A  generous  foe  regards  with  pitying  eye 

The  man  whom  fate  has  laid,  where  all  mufl  lie. 

To  wit  reviving  from  its  author's  dull. 
Be  kind  ye  judges,  or  at  leafl  be  jull:. 
For  no  renew'd  hoftilities  invade 
Th'  oblivious  grave's  inviolable  fhade. 
Let  one  great  payment  every  claim  appeafe. 
And  him  v/ho  cannot  hurt,  allow  to  pleafe ; 
To  pleafe  by  fcenes  unconfcious  of  offence. 
By  harmlefs  merriment,  or  ufeful  fenfe. 
Where  aught  of  bright,  or  fair  the  piece  difplays. 
Approve  it  only — 'tis  too  late  to  praife. 
If  want  of  ikill,  or  want  of  care  appear. 
Forbear  to  hifs — the  poet  cannot  hear. 
By  all  like  him  mull:  praife  and  blame  be  found. 
At  beft  a  fleeting  gleam,  or  empty  found. 
Yet  then  fhall  calm  reflexion  blels  the  night. 
When  liberal  pity  dignified  delight ; 
When  pleafure  fir'd  her  torch  at  virtue's  flame. 
And  mirth  was  bounty  with  an  humbler  name. 


P  3  SPRING, 


JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


SPRING, 

AN      ODE. 

O  T  E  R  N  Winter  now,  by  Spring  reprefa'd, 
^     Forbears  the  long  continued  ftrife  ; 
And  Nature,  on  her  naked  breaft. 
Delights  to  catch  the  gales  of  life. 

Now  o'er  the  rural  kingdom  roves 

Soft  pleafure  with  her  laughing  train. 
Love  warbles  in  the  vocal  groves. 

And  vegetation  plants  the  plain. 

Unhappy  I  whom  to  beds  of  pain, 

Arthritick  *  tyranny  coniigns  ; 
Whom  fmilino;  nature  courts  in  vain, 

Tho'  rapture  fmgs  and  beauty  fhines. 

Yet  tho'  my  limbs  difeafe  invades. 

Her  wings  imagination  tries. 
And  bears  me  to  the  peaceful  fhades 

Where 's  humble  turrets  rife. 

Here  ftop,  my  foul,  thy  rapid  flight. 

Nor  from  the  pleafmg  groves  depart. 
Where  firil  great  nature  charm'd  my  fight. 

Where  wifdom  fiiH  inform 'd  my  heart. 

♦  The  author  beiiig  ill  of  the  gout. 

Here 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        39 

Here  let  me  thro'  the  vales  purfue 

A  guide — a  father — and  a  friend. 
Once  more  great  nature's  works  renew. 

Once  more  on  wifJom's  voice  attend. 

Prom  falfe  carefTes,  caufelefs  ftrife. 

Wild  hope,  vain  fear,  alike  remov'd^ 
Here  let  me  learn  the  ufe  of  life. 

When  befl  enjoy'd— when  molt  improv'd. 

Teach  me,  thou  venerable  bower. 

Cool  meditation's  quiet  feat. 
The  generous  fcorn  of  venal  power. 

The  filent  grandeur  of  retreat. 

When  pride  by  guilt  to  greatnefs  climbs. 

Or  raging  fadions  rufh  to  war. 
Here  let  me  learn  to  fhun  the  crimes 

I  can't  prevent,  and  will  not  fhare. 

But  left  I  fall  by  fubtler  foes. 

Bright  wifdom  teach  me  Curio's  art. 
The  fwelling  paffions  to  com.pofe. 

And  quell  the  rebels  of  the  heart. 

MIDSUMMER, 

AN      ODE. 

r^  PHOEBUS!  down  the  weflern  (ky, 
^^     Far  hence  diffufe  tliy  burning  ray. 
Thy  light  to  diftant  worlds  fupply. 
And  wake  them  to  the  cares  ,of  day. 

D  4  Come 


4-3  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Ccme  gentle  eve,  the  friend  of  care. 
Come  Cynthia,  lovely  queen  of  night ! 

Refreiii  me  with  a  cooling  breeze. 
And  cheer  me  with  a  lambent  light. 

Lay  me,  where  o'er  the  verdant  ground 
Her  living  carpet  nature  fpreads ; 

Where  the  green  bower  with  rofes  crown'd. 
In  fiiowers  its  fragrant  foliage  fneds. 

Improve  the  peaceful  hour  with  wine. 
Let  mufick  die  along  the  grove ; 

Around  the  bowl  let  myrtles  twine. 
And  every  flrain  be  tun'd  to  love. 

Come,  Stella,  queen  of  all  my  heart  \ 
Come,  born  to  fill  its  vaft  defires  ! 

Thy  looks  perpetual  joys  impart,  . 
Thy  voice  perpetual  love  infpires. 

While  all  my  \vi(h  and  thine  complete. 
By  turns  we  languifh  and  we  burn. 

Let  fighing  gales  our  fighs  repeat. 

Oar  murmurs — murmuring  brooks  return. 

Let  m.s  when  nature  calls  to  reil:. 

And  blufhing  fkies  the  morn  foretell. 

Sink  on  the  down  of  Stella's  breaft. 
And  bid  the  waking  world  fajcwell. 


AUTUMN, 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.       ^i 

AUTUMN, 
AN      ODE. 

ALAS!  with  fwift  and  filent  pace. 
Impatient  time  rolls  on  the  year  ; 
The  feafons  change,  and  nature's  face 
Now  fwcetly  fmiles,  now  frowns  fevere. 

*Twas  Spring,  'twas  Summer,  all  was  gay. 

Now  Autum.n  bends  a  cloudy  brow  j 
The  flowers  of  Spring  are  fwept  away. 

And  Summer  fruits  defert  the  bough. 

The. verdant  leaves  that  play'd  on  high. 

And  wanton'd  on  the  v/eilern  breeze. 
Now  trod  in  dull  negletflcd  He, 

As  Boreas  flrips  the  bending  trees. 

The  fields  that  wav'd  with  golden  grain. 

As  ruflet  heaths  are  wild  and  bare ; 
Not  moifl  with  dew,  but  dreach'd  in  rain. 

Nor  health,  nor  pleafure  wanders  there. 

No  more  while  thro'  the  midnight  fhade. 

Beneath  the  moon's  pale  orb  I  flray. 
Soft  pleafmg  woes  my  heart  invade. 

As  Progne  pours  the  melting  lay. 

From  this  capricious  clime  fhe  foars, 
O  !   would  fome  god  but  wings  fupply  ! 

To  wiiere  each  morn  the  Spring  reflores. 
Companion  of  her  faght  I'd  fly. 

Vain 


4i  JOHNSON'S    POEMS, 

Vain  wiih  !  me  fate  compels  to  bear 
The  downward  feafons  iron  reign. 

Compels  to  breathe  polluted  air. 
And  fhiver  on  a  blafled  plain. 

What  blifs  to  life  can  Autumn  yield. 

If  glooms,  and  Ihowers,  and  ilorms  prev^all  ; 

And  Ceres  flics  the  naked  field. 

And  flowers,  and  fruits,  and  Phcsbus  fail  ? 

Oh  !  what  remains,  what  lingers  yet. 
To  cheer  me  in  the  darkening  hour  ? 

The  grape  remains  !   the  friend  of  wit. 
In  love,  and  mirth,  of  mighty  power. 

Hafte — prefs  the  clufters,  fill  the  bowl  ; 

Apollo  !  fhoot  thy  parting  ray  : 
This  gives  the  funfhine  of  the  foul. 

This  god  of  health,  and  verfe,  and  day. 

Still — flill  the  jocund  flrain  fhall  flow. 
The  pulfe  with  vigorous  rapture  beat ; 

My  Stella  with  new  charms  ftiall  glow. 
And  every  blifs  in  wine  fhall  meet. 

WINTER, 
AN      ODE. 

NO  more  the  morn,  with  tepid  rays. 
Unfolds  the  flower  of  various  hue  ; 
Noon  fpreads  no  more  the  genial  blaze. 
Nor  gentle  eve  diiliils  the  dew. 


The 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        43 

The  lingering  hours  prolong  the  night, 

Ufurping  darknefs  fhares  the  day  ; 
Her  mifts  reftrain  the  force  of  light. 

And  Phcebus  holds  a  donbtfld  {way, 

"By  gloomy  twilight  half  rcveal'd. 

With  fighs  we  view  the  hoary  hill. 
The  leaflefs  wood,  the  naked  field. 

The  fnow-topt  cot,  the  frozen  rill. 

No  mufick  warbles  thro'  the  grove. 

No  vivid  colours  paint  the  plain  ; 
No  more  with  devious  fleps  I  rove 

Thro'  verdant  paths  now  fought  in  vain. 

Aloud  the  driving  tempeft  roars, 

Congeal'd,  impetuous  fhowers  defcend  ; 

Hafle,  clofe  the  window,  bar  the  doors. 
Fate  leaves  me  Stella,  and  a  friend. 

In  nature's  aid  let  art  fuppiy 

With  light  and  heat  my  little  fphere  ; 
Rouze,  rouze  the  fire,  and  pile  it  high. 

Light  up  a  conftellation  here. 

Let  muiick  found  the  voice  of  joy  1 

Or  mirth  repeat  the  jocund  tale  ; 
Let  love  his  wanton  wiles  employ. 

And  o'er  the  feafon  wine  prevail. 

Yet  time  life's  dreary  winter  brings. 

When  mirth's  gay  tale  fiiall  pleafe  no  more  ; 

Nor  mufick  charm — tho'  Stella  fin^s  : 
Nor  love,  nor  wine,  the  Spring  reUore, 

Catch 


44  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Catch  then,  O  !  catch  the  tranfient  hour. 
Improve  each  moment  as  it  flies  ; 

Life's  a  (hcrt  Summer— man  a  flower. 
He  dies — alas  !  how  foon  he  dies  ! 


THE     W  I  N  T  E  R's    WALK. 

Tn>  E  H  O  L  D,  my  fair,  where'er  we  rove, 
-*^     What  dreary  profpedls  round  us  rife  ; 
The  naked  hill,  the  lealieis  grove. 

The  hoary  ground,  the  frowning  ikies  \ 

Not  only  thought  the  warted  plain. 
Stem  Winter  in  thy  force  confefs'd ; 

Still  wider  fpreads  thy  horrid  reign, 
I  feel  thy  power  ufurp  my  brcaft. 

Enlivening  hope,  and  fond  defire, 
Rcfign  the  heart  to  fpleen  and  care ; 

Scarce  frighted  love  maintains  her  fire. 
And  rapture  faddens  to  defpair. 

In  groundlefs  hope,  and  caufelefs  fear. 
Unhappy  man  !  behold  thy  doom  ; 

Sdll  changing  with  the  changeful  year. 
The  flave  of  funfaine  and  of  ?loom. 

Tir'd  with  vain  joys,  and  falfe  alarms. 
With  mental  and  corporeal  ilrife. 

Snatch  me,  my  Stella,  to  thy  arms. 
And  fcreen  me  from  the  ills  of  life. 


To 


MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS.        45 


To  Miss  ***** 

On  her  giving  the  Author  a  Gold  and  Silk  Net-work 
Purfe  of  her  own  weaving  *. 

'nr^HOUGH  gold  and  filk  their  charms  unite 

-*-     To  make  thy  curious  web  delight. 
In  vain  the  varied  work  would  fhine. 
If  wrought  by  any  hand  but  thine  ; 
Thy  hand  that  knows  the  fubtler  art. 
To  weave  thole  nets  that  catch  the  heart. 

Spread  out  by  me,  the  roving  coin 
Thy  nets  may  catch,  but  not  confine ; 
Nor  can  I  hope  thy  filken  chain 
The  glittering  vagrants  fhall  reftrain. 
Why,  Stella,  was  it  then  decreed 
The  heart  once  cau^^ht  fhould  ne'er  be  freed  ? 

To  Miss  ***** 

On  her  playing  upon  the  Harpfichord  in  a  Room  hung 
with  Flower-pieces  of  her  own  Painting  *. 

"IXZHEN  Stella  llnkes  the  tuneful  firing 

'^  '      In  fcenes  of  imitated  Spring, 
Where  beauty  laviHies  her  powers 
On  beds  of  never-fading  flowers. 
And  pleafare  propagates  around 
Each  charm  of  modulated  found; 


•  Printed  arr.ons  Mrs.  Williams's  Mifcelbniest 


'ft 


Ah 


46  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Ah  !  think  not  in  the  dangerous  hour. 
The  nymph  fidlitious  as  the  flower. 
But  fhun,  rafli  youth,  the  gay  alcove. 
Nor  tempt  the  fnares  of  v^ily  love. 

When  charms  thus  prefs  on  every  fenfe* 
What  thought  of  flight,  or  of  defence  ? 
Deceitful  hope,  and  vain  defire> 
For  ever  flutter  o'er  her  lyre. 
Delighting  as  the  youth  draws  nigh. 
To  point  the  glances  of  her  eye. 
And  forming  with  unerring  art 
New  chains  to  hold  the  captii^e  heart. 

But  on  thofe  regions  of  delight 
Might  truth  intrude  with  daring  flight. 
Could  Stella,  fprightly,  fair,  and  young. 
One  moment  hear  the  moral  fong, 
•IniiTuftion  with  her  flowers  might  fpring. 
And  wifdom  warble  from  her  firing. 

Mark  when  from  thoufand  mingled  dyes 
Thou  feeil  one  pleaflng  form  arife. 
How  a£live  light,  and  thoughtful  fliade. 
In  greater  fcenes  each  other  aid. 
Mark  when  the  different  notes  agree 
In  friendly  contrariety. 
How  paiTions  well  accorded  fl;rife. 
Gives  all  the  harmony  of  life  ; 
Thy  pidares  fliail  thy  condufl  frame, 
Confiltent  ftill,  though  not  the  fame ; 
Thy  mufick  teach  the  nobler  art. 
To  tune  the  regulated  heart. 

EVEN- 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        45 

EVENING: 

AN      ODE, 

To     STELLA. 

T^  V  E  N I N  G  now  from  purple  wings 
•*—'  Sheds  the  grateful  gifts  {he  brings  j 
Brilliant  drops  bedeck  the  mead. 
Cooling  breezes  fliake  the  reed  ; 
Shake  the  reed,  and  curl  the  flream 
Si!ver*d  o'er  with  Cynthia's  beam  ; 
Near  the  chequer 'd,  lonely  grove. 
Hears,  and  keeps  thy  fecrets,  love. 
Stella,  thither  let  us  ftray  ! 
Lightly  o'er  the  dewy  way. 
Phoebus  di-ives  his  burning  car. 
Hence,  my  lovely  Stella,  far  ; 
In  his  ftead,  the  queen  of  night 
Round  us  pours  a  lambent  light ; 
Light  that  feems  but  jufl  to  fhow 
Breaib  that  beat,  and  cheeks  that  glow  ; 
Let  us  now,  in  whifper'd  joy. 
Evening's  filent  hours  employ. 
Silence  beil,  and  confcious  ihades, 
Pleafe  the  hearts  that  love  invades. 
Other  pleafures  give  them  pain. 
Lovers  ail  but  love  dii'dain. 

TO 


48  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


to      THE      SAME. 

"^Tl  7'H  E  T  K  E  R  Stella's  eyes  are  found, 

^  ^     Fix'd  on  earth,  or  glancing  round. 
If  her  face  with  pleafure  glow. 
If  {he  figh  at  others  woe. 
If  her  eafy  air  exprefs 
Confcious  worth,  or  foft  diilrefs, 
Stella's  eyes,  and  air,  and  face. 
Charm  with  undiminiih'd  grace. 

If  on  her  we  fee  difplay'd 
Pendant  gems,  and  rich  brocade. 
If  her  chintz  wath  lefs  expence. 
Flows  in  eafy  negligence  ;  <    -r-i. 

Still  Ihe  lights  the  confcious  flame. 
Still  her  charms  appear  the  fame  ; 
If  (he  ftrikes  the  vocal  Urings, 
If  fhe's  filent,  fpeaks,  or  fir.gs. 
If  fne  fit,  or  if  fhe  move. 
Still  v/e  love,  and  fiill  approve. 

Vain  the  cafual,  tranficnt  glance. 
Which  alone  can  pleafe  by  chance. 
Beauty,  which  depends  on  art. 
Changing  with  the  changing  art, 
Whicli  demands  the  toilet's  aid. 
Pendant  gems  and  rich  brocade. 

I  thofe 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS        -^9 

1  thofe  charms  alone  can  prize. 
Which  from  conftant  nature  rife. 
Which  nor  circumflance,  nor  drefs. 
E'er  can  make,  or  more,  or  lefs. 


To     A     FRIEND. 

"KT O  more  thus  brooding  o'er  yon  heap, 
**-  ^    With  Avarice  painful  vigils  keep  j 
Still  unenjoy'd  the  prefent  ftore. 
Still  endlefs  fighs  are  breath'd  for  more. 
O  1  quit  the  fhadow,  catch  the*prize. 
Which  not  all  India's  treafure  buys  ! 
To  purchafe  heaven  has  gold  the  power  ? 
Can  gold  remove  the  mortal  hour  ? 
In  life  can  love  be  bought  with  gold  ? 
Are  friendfhip's  pleafures  to  be  fold  ? 
No — all  that's  worth  a  wifh — a  thought. 
Fair  virtue  gives  unbrib'd,  unbought. 
Ceafe  then  on  trafti  thy  hopes  to  bind. 
Let  nobler  views  engage  thy  mind. 

With  fcience  tread  the  wond'rous  way. 
Or  learn  the  Mufei'  moral  lay  ; 
In  focial  hours  indulge  thy  foul. 
Where  mirth  and  temperance  mix  the  bowl ; 
To  virtuous  love  relign  thy  breaft. 
And  be,  by  bleffing  beauty— bleft. 

Vol.  LXXII.  E  Thus 


50  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Thus  tafte  the  feaft  by  nature  fpread. 
Ere  youth  and  all  its  joys  are  fled  ; 
Come  tafte  with  me  the  balm  of  life. 
Secure  from  pomp,  and  wealth,  and  ftrife. 
I  boaft  whate'er  for  man  was  meant. 
In  health,  and  Stella,  and  content ; 
And  fcorn  !   Oh  '   let  that  fcom  be  thine  ! 
Mere  things  of  clay,  that  dig  the  mine. 


STELLA    IN    MOURNING. 

Vt7 HEN  lately  Stella's  form  difplay'd 

~  '      The  beauties  of  the  gay  brocade. 
The  nymphs  who  found  their  power  decline^ 
Proclaim'd  her  not  fo  fair  as  fine. 
**  Fate  !  fnatch  away  the  bright  difguife, 
*'  And  let  the  goddefs  truft  her  eyes." 
Thus  blindly  pray'd  the  fretful  fair. 
And  fate  malicious  heard  the  pray'r ; 
But  brighten'd  by  the  fable  drefs. 
As  virtue  rifes  in  diftrsfs, 
Since  Stella  ftill  extends  her  reign. 
Ah  !  how  Ihall  envy  footh  her  pain  ? 

Th'  adoring  youth  and  envious  fair. 
Henceforth  fhall  form  one  common  prayer ; 
And  love  and  hate  alike  implore 
The  fkies — '^  That  Stella  mourn  no  more.'* 


To 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.       31 


To      STELLA. 

"^T  O  T  the  foft  fighs  of  vernal  gales » 

•*'  ^    The  fragrance  of  the  flowery  vales> 

The  murmurs  of  the  cryftal  rill. 

The  vocal  grove,  the  verdant  hill ; 

Not  all  their  charms,  tho'  all  unite,  JK^  f 

Can  touch  my  bofom  with  delight. 

Not  all  the  gems  on  India's  Ihore, 
Not  all  Peru's  unbounded  flore. 
Not  all  the  power,  nor  all  the  fame. 
That  heroes,  kings,  or  poets  claim  ; 
Nor  knowledge  which  the  learn'd  approve. 
To  form  one  wiih  my  foul  can  move. 

Yet  nature's  charms  allure  my  eyes. 

And  knowledge,  wealth,  and  fame  I  prize  j 

Fame,  wealth,  and  knowledge  I  obtain. 

Nor  feek  I  nature's  charms  in  vain ; 

In  lovely  Stella  all  combine. 

And,  lovely  Stella  I  thou  art  mine. 


E  3  V  E  R  S  E  S> 


5*^  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


Verses, 

Written  at  the  Requell  of  a  Gentleman  to  whom  a  La(Jy 
had  given  a  Sprig  of  Myrtle  *. 

XT  THAT  hopes — what  terrors  does  this  gift  create ? 

^  ~     Ambiguous  emblem  of  uncertain  fate. 
The  myrtle  (enfign  of  fupreme  command;^ 
Confign'd  to  Venus  by  MeliflVs  hand) 
Not  lefs  capricious  than  a  reigning  fair^ 
Oft  favours,  oft  rejedls  a  lover's  prayer. 
In  myrtle  fhades  oft  fings  the  happy  fwain. 
In  myrtle  fhades  despairing  ghofts  complain. 
The  myrtle  crowns  the  happy  lovers  heads. 
The  unhappy  lovers  graves  the  myrtle  fpreads-.- 
Oh  1  then,  the  meaning  of  thy  gift  impart. 
And  eafe  the  throbbings  of  an  anxious  heart. 
Soon  muft  this  fprig,  as  you  fliall  fix  its  doom. 
Adorn  Philander's  head,  or  grace  his  tomb. 

*  Thefe  verfes  were  firft  printed  In  a  Magazine  for  1768,  but 
were  written  between  forty  and  fifty  years  ago.  Elegant  as  they  are, 
tiiey  were  compofed  in  the  fhort  fpace  of  five  minutes. 


Ta 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        ^j 

To     Lady     F  I  R  E  B  R  A  C  E  *, 
At    bury    assizes. 

A  T  length  murt  SuiFolk  beauties  fhine  in  vain, 

■*^^  So  long  renown'd  in  B n's  deathlefs  ftrain  ? 

Thy  charnis  at  leall,  fair  Firebrace,  might  infpire 
Some  zealous  bard  to  wake  the  keeping  lyre  ; 
For  fiich  thy  beauteous  mind  and  lovely  face. 
Thou  feem'ft  at  once,  bright  nymph,  a  Mvfi  and  Grace, 


To    L  Y  C  E,    an   elderly    L  a  d  r. 

XT'  E  nymphs  whom  Harry  rays  invert, 

-*'        By  flattering  poets  given. 
Who  frtine  by  lavilL  lovers  dreft. 

In  all  the  pomp  of  heaven  ; 

Engrofs  not  all  the  beams  on  high. 

Which  gild  a  lover's  lays. 
But  as  your  filler  of  the  Iky, 

Let  Lyce  fhare  the  praife. 

*  This  lady  was  Bridget,  third  daughter  of  Philip  Bacon,  Efq, 
of  Ipfwich,  and  relict  of  Philip  Evers,  Efq.  of  that  town  \  fte  be- 
came the  fecond  wife  of  Sir  Cordell  Firebrace,  tht  iaft  Baronet  of 
that  name  (to  whom  fhe  brought  a  fortune  of  25,000!.),  July  26, 
1737.  Being  again  left  a  widow  in  1759,  ^"  w-as  a  third  time 
married,  April  7,  1762,  to  William  Campbell,  Efq.  uncle  to  the 
prefer.t  Duke  of  Argyle,  and  died  July  3,  1782, 

E  3  Her 


54  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Her  filver  locks  difplay  the  moon. 

Her  brows  a  cloudy  fhow, 
Strip'd  rainbows  round  her  eyes  are  feen. 

And  fliowers  from  either  flow. 

Her  teeth  the  night  with  darknefs  dyes. 
She's  ftarr'd  with  pimples  o'er  ; 

Her  tongue  like  nimble  lightning  plies. 
And  can  with  thunder  roar. 

But  fome  Zelinda,  while  I  fmg. 

Denies  my  Lyce  fhines  ; 
And  all  the  pens  of  Cupid's  wing 

AttacK:  mv  gentle  lines. 

Yet  fpitc  of  fair  Zelinda's  eye. 

And  all  her  bards  expr efs. 
My  Lycc  makes  as  good  a  fky. 

And  I  but  flatter  lefs. 


OiV  THE  Death  of 

Mr.     ROBERT      LEVET 
A  Pradifer  in  Phyfic. 


I 


/^  O  N  D  E  M  N  •  D  to  Hope's  delufive  mine, 
^^     As  on  we  toil  from  day  to  day. 
By  fudden  blaiis,  or  flow  decline. 
Oar  focial  comforts  drop  away. 

Well 


MISCELI.ANEOUS    POEMS.        55 

Well  try'd  through  many  a  vandng  year. 

See  Levet  to  the  grave  defcend. 
Officious,  innocent,  fincere. 

Of  every  friendlefs  name  the  friend. 

Yet  ftlll  he  fills  afFedlion's  eye, 

Obfcurely  \\"Xe  and  coarfely  kind  ; 
Nor  letter'd  arrogance  deny 

Thy  praife  to  merit  unrefin'd. 

When  fainting  nature  call'd  for  aid. 
And  hovering  death  prepar'd  the  blow, 

His  vigorous  remedy  difplayM 

The  power  of  art  without  the  Ihow. 

In  mifery's  darkefl  cavern  known. 

His  ufeful  care  was  ever  nigh. 
Where  hopelefs  anguiih  pour'd  his  groan. 

And  lonely  want  retir'd  to  die. 

No  fummons  mock'd  by  chill  delay. 

No  petty  gain  difdain'd  by  pride  ; 
The  modeft  wants  of  every  day 

The  toil  of  every  day  fupply'd. 

His  virtues  walk'd  their  narrow  round. 

Nor  made  a  paufe,  nor  left  a  void  ; 
And  fure  th'  Eternal  Mafter  found 

The  fmgle  talent  well  employed. 

The  bufy  day — the  peaceful  night, 

Unfelt,  uncounted,  glided  by  j 
His  frame  was  firm — his  powers  were  bright, 

Tho'  now  his  eightieth  year  was  nigh. 

E  4  Then 


5«  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Then  with  no  fiery  throbbing  pain. 

No  cold  gradations  of  decay. 
Death  broke  at  once  the  vital  chain. 

And  freed  liis  foul  the  nearell  way. 


EPITAPH 

O    N 

CLAUDE        PHILLIPS, 

An  Itinerant  Mufician  *. 

« 

"P  H I L  L I P  S  !  whofe  touch  harmonious  could  re-» 

-*■  move 

The  pang5  of  guilty  pow'r,  and  haplefs  love. 

Reft  here,  diilreft  by  poverty  no  more. 

Find  here  that  calm  thou  gav'ft  fo  oft  before  ; 

Sleep  undifturb'd  within  this  peaceful  Ihrine, 

Till  angels  wake  thee  with  a  note  like  thine. 

*  Thefe  lines  are  among  Mr?.  V/illiams's  Mifcellanles ;  they  are 
neverthelcfs  recognized  as  Johnfon's,  in  a  memorandum  of  his  hand- 
writing, and  were  probably  written  at  her  requcH-.  Phillips  was  a 
travelling  Fidler  up  and  down  Wales,  and  was  greatly  celebrated  for 
his  performance. 


EPL 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        57 


EPITAPHIUM 


I     N 


THOMAM    HANMER,    Baronettum. 

Honorabilis  admodum  Thomas  Hanmer, 

Baronettus, 

Wilhelmi  Hanmer  armigeri  e  Peregrina  Henri ci 

North 
De  Mildenhal  in  Com:  SufFolcis   Baronetti  forore 

et  hasrede. 

Filius 

Jchannls  Hanmer  de  Hanmer  Baronetti 

Hecres  patruelis 

Antiquo  gentis  fuae  et  titulo,   et  patrimonio  fucceiHc 

Duas  uxores  fortitus  ell ; 

Alteram  Ifabellam,  honore  a  patre  derivato  de 

Arlington  comitiflam 

Deinde  celciffimi  principis  ducis  de  Grafton  viduam 

dotariam 

Alteram  Elizabetham  Thorns  Folks  de  Barton  in 

Com.  Suff.  armigeri. 

Filiam  et  hasredem 

Inter  humanitates  ftudia  feliciter  enntritus 

Omnes  liberalium  artium  difciplinas  avide  arripuit, 

Quas  morum  faavitate  haud  leviter  ornavit. 

Poil^ 


58  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Poftquam  exceffit  et  ephebis 

Continuo  inter  populares  fuos  fama  emlnens 

Et  comitatus  fui  legatus  ad  Parliamentum  miiTus 

Ad  ardua  regni  negotia  per  annos  prope  triginta 

Si  accinxit 

Cumq;  apud  illos  ampliffimorum  virorum  ordines 

Solent  nihil  temere  eiFutire 

Sed  probe  perpenfa  diflerte  expromere 

Orator  gravis  et  preffus 

Non  minus  integritatis  quam  eloquentiae  laude 

commendacus 

^^que  omnium  utcunq;    inter  fe   alioqui  diffidentium 

Aures  atque  animos  attraxit 

Annoque  demum  m.dcc.xiii.  regnante  Anna 

Feliciflima,  florentillimasque  memorise  regina 

Ad  prclocutoris  cathedram 

Communi  fenatus  univerfi  voce  defignatus  eft  ; 

Quod  munus 

Cum  nullo  tempore  non  difficile 

Tum  illo  certe  negotiis 

Et  varus  et  lubricis  et  implicatis  diiiicillimum 

Cum  dignitate  fuftinuit. 

Honores  alios,  et  onmia,  quie  fibi  in  lucrum  cederent^ 

munerg, 

Sedulo  detreclavit 

Ut  rei  totus  inferviret  publicas, 

Jufti  redlique  tenax 

Et  fide  in  patriam  incorrupta  notus. 

ybi  omnibus,  qus  virum  civimque  bonum  decent 

oiriciis  fatis  fecillet, 

Pau, 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        59 

Paulatim  fe  a  publicis  confiliis  in  odum  recipiens 

Inter  literarum  amoenitates. 

Inter  ante-a£lce  \itx  baud  infuaves  recordationes. 

Inter  amicorum  conviclus  et  amplexus 

Honorificc  confenuit, 

Et  bonis  omnibus,  quibus  churiflimus  vixit, 

Defideratiffimus  obiit. 


PARAPHRASE  of  the  above  EPITAPH. 
By    Dr.    JOHNSON*, 

THOU  who  furvey'ft  thefe  walls  with  curious  eye, 
Paufe  at  this  tomb  where  Hanmer's  afhes  lie  ; 
His  various  worth  through  varied  life  attend. 
And  learn  his  virtues  while  thou  mourn'll  his  end. 

His  force  of  genius  burn'd  in  early  youth. 
With  thirft  of  knowledge,  and  with  love  of  truth ; 
His  learning,  join'd  with  each  endearing  art, 
Charm'd  ev'ry  ear,  and  gain'd  on  ev'ry  heart. 

Thus  early  wife,  th'  endangcr'd  realm  to  aid. 
His  country  cali'd  him  from  the  Iludious  fhade  i 
In  life's  firft  bloom  his  publick  toils  began. 
At  once  commenc'd  the  fenator  and  man. 

In  bufmefs  dext'rous,  weighty  in  debate. 
Thrice  ten  long  years  he  labour'd  for  the  Hate ; 

*  This  Piraphrafe  is  Infevted  in  Mrs.  Williams's  Mifccllanies. 
•The  Latin  is  there  fald  to  be  written  by  Dr.  Friend.  Of  the  perfoii 
.whofe  memory  it  celebrates,  a  copious  account  may  be  ff;en  in  the 
Appendix  to  the  Supplement  to  the  Biographia  Biitannica. 

la 


$6  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

In  every  fpeech  peffuafive  vviidom  ilow'd. 
In  every  a£l  refulgent  virtue  giow'd  : 
Sufpended  faclion  ceas'd  from  rage  and  llrife. 
To  hear  his  eloquence,  and  praife  his  life. 

Refiftlefs  merit  fix'd  the  Senate's  choice. 
Who  hail'd  him  Speaker  v^ith  united  voice. 
Illuibious  age  !  how  bright  thy  glories  flione. 
When  Ha  N  M  E  R  fiil'd  the  chair — and  An  n e  the  throne ! 

Then  when  dark  arts  obfcur'd  each  fierce  debate. 
When  mutual  frauds  perplex'd  the  maze  of  ftate. 
The  moderator  firmly  mild  appear'd  — 
Beheld  with  love — with  veneration  heard. 

This  tafic  performed — ^he  fought  no  gainful  poll. 
Nor  wlih'd  to  glitter  at  his  country's  coft  ; 
Strict  on  the  right  he  fix'd  ills  Iledfafl:  eye. 
With  temperate  zeal  and  wife  anxiety  ; 
Nor  e'er  from  Virtue's  paths  was  lur'd  afide. 
To  pluck  the  flow'rs  of  plcafure,  or  of  pride. 
Her  gifts  defpis'd.  Corruption  blufh'd  and  fled. 
And  fame  purfaed  him  where  Convidion  led. 

Aee  call'd,  at  length,  his  adive  mind  to  reft. 
With  honour  fated,  and  with  cares  oppred  ; 
To  Ictter'd  eafe  retir'd  and  honeft  mirth. 
To  rural  grandeur  and  domeiHck  worth  : 
Delighted  iHll  to  pleafe  mankind,  or  mend. 
The  patriot's  fire  yet  fparkled  in  the  friend. 

Calm  Confcience  then,  his  former  life  furvey'd. 
And  recoUecled  toils  endear'd  the  Ihade, 
Till  Nature  call'd  him  to  the  general  doom. 
And  Virtue's  forrow  dignified  his  tomb. 

To 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        6i 

To     Miss     H    I    C    K    M    A    N », 
Playing  on  the  Spinnet. 

Ty  RIGHT  Stella,  form'd  for  univerfal  reign, 
-*^ Too  well  you  know  to  keep  the  flaves  you  gain; 
When  in  your  eyes  refiiUefs  lightnings  play, 
Aw'd  into  love  our  conquer'd  hearts  obey. 
And  yield  reludlant  to  defpotick  fway  : 
But  when  your  mufick  Tooths  the  raging  pain. 
We  bid  propitious  heav'n  prolong  your  reign. 
We  blefs  the  tyrant,  and  we  hug  the  chain. 

When  old  Timotheus  ftruck  the  vocal  itring. 
Ambition's  fury  iir'd  the  Grecian  king : 
Unbounded  proje<5ls  lab'ring  in  his  mind. 
He  pants  for  room  in  one  poor  world  confin'd. 
Thus  wak'd  to  rage,  by  mufick's  dreadful  powV 
He  bids  the  fword  deftroy,  the  flame  devour. 
Had  Stella's  gentle  touches  mov'd  the  lyre. 
Soon  had  the  monarch  felt  a  nobler  fire :  - 
No  more  delighted  with  deflrudlive  war. 
Ambitious  only  now  to  pleafe  the  fair  ; 
Refign'd  his  thiril  of  empire  to  her  charms. 
And  found  a  thoufand  worlds  in  Stella's  arms, 

*  Thefe  Lines,  which  have  been  communicated  by  Dr.  Turton, 
(on  to  Mrs.  Turton,  the  Lady  to  whom  they  are  addrefTed  by  her 
maiden  name  of  Hickman,  rnult  have  been  written  at  Icaft  as  early 
as  the  year  1734,  as  that  was  the  year  of  her  marriage :  at  how 
much  earlier  a  period  of  Dr,  Johnfon's  life  they  may  have  been 
W.itten,  is  not  known, 

PARA- 


6s  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

PARAPHRASE    of   Proverbs,    Chap,  Vf* 
Verfes  6,  7,  8,  9,  lo,  ii. 

"Go  to  the  Ant  thou  Sluggard *■  .^^ 

'TT^URN  on  the  prudent  ant  thy  heedlefs  eyes, 
■■'     Obferve  her  labours,  fluggard,  and  be  wife  : 
No  ftern  command,  no  monitory  voice 
Prefcribes  her  duties,  or  direds  her  choice  ; 
Yet,  timely  provident,  fhe  haftes  away. 
To  fnatch  the  bleffmgs  of  the  plenteous  day  ; 
When  fruitful  fummer  loads  the  teeming  plain. 
She  crops  the  harvefl,  and  Ihe  ftores  the  grain. 
How  long  ihall  floth  ufurp  thy  ufelefs  hours. 
Unnerve  thy  vigour,  and  enchain  thy  pow'rs  ? 
"Wliile  artful  (hades  thy  downy  couch  inclofe. 
And  foft  folicitation  courts  repofe. 
Amidil  the  drowfy  charms  of  dull  delight^ 
Year  chafes  year  with  unremitted  flight. 
Till  want  now  following-,  fraudulent  and  flow- 
Shall  fpring  to  fsize  thee  like  an  ambufh'd  foe. 

HORACE,    Lib.  IV.    Ode  VII.  Translated. 

/T^HE  fnow  diifolv'd,  no  more  is  feen, 

-*-     The  fields  and  woods,  behold  !  are  green. 
The  changing  year  renews  the  plain. 
The  rivers  know  their  banks  again, 

*  In  Mrs.  Williams's  Mifcellanies,  but  now  printed  from  the 
oilginal  in  D/,  Johnfoa's  ov.'n  h.md-writing,- 

The 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.       63 

The  fprightly  nymph  and  naked  grace 

The  mazy  dance  together  trace. 

The  changing  year's  fucceffive  plan 

Proclaims  mortality  to  man. 

Rough  winter's  blafts  to  Spring  give  way. 

Spring  yields  to  fummer's  fovereign  ray ; 

Then  fummer  fniks  in  autumn's  reign. 

And  winter  chUls  the  world  again  : 

Her  lofTes  Toon  the  moon  fupplies. 

But  wretched  man,  when  oPxCe  he  lies  . 

Where  Priam  and  his  fens  are  laid. 

Is  nought  but  afhes  and  a  fhade. 

Who  knows  if  Jove,  who  counts  our  fcore. 

Will  toi^  IS  in  a  morning  more  ? 

What  with  your  friend  you  nobly  fhare 

At  lead  you  refcue  from  your  heir. 

Not  you  Torquatus,  boait  of  Rome, 

When  Minos  once  has  lix'd  your  doom. 

Or  eloquence,  or  fplendid  birth. 

Or  virtue,  liiall  rellore  to  earth. 

Hippolytus,  unjuftiy  flain, 

Diana  calls  to  life  in  vain ; 

Nor  can  the  mi^lit  of  Thefeus  rend 

The  chains  of  hell  that  hold  his  friend. 

Kov.   1784, 


On 


64  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


On  feeing    a    BUST   of  Mrs.  MONTAGUE. 

T  T  A  D  this  fair  figure  which  this  frame  difplays, 

"^  "^   Adorn'd  in  Roman  time  the  brightell  days. 

In  every  dcme,  in  every  facred  place. 

Her  ftatue  would  have  breath'd  an  added  grace. 

And  on  its  bafis  \\'ould  have  been  enroU'd, 

«*  This  is  Minerva,  caft  in  Virtue's  mould." 


^  The  foUovjing  Translations,  Parodies,  and 
Burlesque  Verses,  moji  of  them  extemporet  are 
taken  from  Anecdotes  of  Dr.  Johnson,  lately  pub' 
Ifnedby  Mrs.  Piozzi. 

A  N  A  C  R  E  O  N,    ODE    IX. 

T     O  V  E  L  Y  courier  of  the  fky, 
'*-'  WTience  and  whither  doll  thou  fly  ? 
Scatt'ring,  as  thy  pinions  play. 
Liquid  fragrance  all  the  way  : 
Is  it  bufinefs  ?  is  it  love  ? 
Tell,  me,  tell  me,  gentle  dove. 

Soft  Anacreon's  vows  I  bear. 
Vows  to  Mvrtale  the  fair ; 

GraeM 


MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS.        ^5 

Grac'd  with  all  that  charms  the  heart, 
Biufhing  nature,  fmiling  art. 
Venus,  courted  by  an  ode. 
On  the  bard  her  dove  bellovv'd  : 
Veiled  with  a  mailer's  right, 
Now  Anacreon  rules  my  flight ; 
His  the  letters  that  you  fee. 
Weighty  charge,  confign'd  to  me  : 
Think  not  yet  my  fervice  hard, 
Joylefs  talk  without  reward  ; 
Smiling  at  my  mafter's  gates> 
Freedom  my  return  awaits  ; 
But  the  liberal  grant  in  vain 
Tempts  me  to  be  wild  again. 
Can  a  prudent  dove  decline 
Blifsful  bondage  fuch  as  mine  ? 
Over  hills  and  iields  to  roam. 
Fortune's  gueft  without  a  home  ; 
Under  leaves  to  hide  one's  head. 
Slightly  fnelter'd,  coarfely  fed  : 
Now  my  better  lot  beftows 
Sweet  repaft,  and  fof:  repofe  ; 
Now  the  generous  bowl  I  fip 
As  it  leaves  Anacreon's  lip  : 
Void  of  care,  and  free  from  dread. 
From  his  fingers  fnatch  his  bread ; 
Then  with  lufcious  plenty  gay. 
Round  his  chamber  dance  and  play  ; 
Or  from  wine  as  courage  failings, 
O'er  his  face  extend  my  wings; 

Vol.  LXXII,  F  And 


it  JOHKSON*$    PO£MS. 

And  wlffA  Icttft  and  froBdc  ^i^<^, 
Drop  aietp  vpM  ki$  hpie. 
HosisalU  be  q«kk  and  JO, 
Mare  tloA  all  dMMi  Gwft  MK  kMw  ; 
Let  ott  Qov  my  fimms  ply» 
I  lave  dyotaM  Bae  a  p^ 


LINES  wiinai  ift  lidfeale  of  ctttm  Fociis 

PUMNHBCU  Bl   I 

TT  WHERESOEVER  i  tammy  xicw, 

.  •way. 


^  . 


BARCDY  of  a  TRANSLATION  f:  ...  :h5 
17  RR  ftaM^keywst,  itlio  idblne  carfare 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        67 

Tlicy  to  the  dome  where  fmokc  with  curliuo;  play 
Announc'd  tlic  dinner  to  the  regions  round, 

Siuunion'd  the  finger  hlytlic,  and  harper  gay, 
And  aided  wine  with  diilcct-ftrcaming  found. 

The  better  ulc  of  notes,  or  fweet  or  fiirill. 
By  quiv'ring  ftring  or  modulated  wind  ; 

Trumpet  or  lyre — to  their  har(h  bofoms  chill, 
Admiflion  ne'er  had  fought,  or  could  not  find. 

Oil  !  fend  tl\cm  to  the  fullcn  manfions  dun. 
Her  baleful  eyes  where  forrovv  rolls  around  ; 

Where  q;!oom-enamour'd  mifchief  loves  to  dwell. 

And  murder,  all  blood-bolter'd,  fchemti  the  wound. 

When  catcs  luxuriant  pile  the  l^acious  difli. 
And  purple  netftar  glads  the  felHve  hour  ; 

The  guell,  without  a  want,  without  a  wilh. 
Can  yield  no  room  to  mufick's  foothing  pow'r. 


B  U  R  L  E  S  QJJ  R    of  the  modern  Verfificatlons  of 
ancient  Legendary  Tales. 

An     impromptu. 

'T^IIE  tender  infant  meek  and  mild, 

•*•       Fell  down  upon  the  Aone  ; 
The  nurfe  took  up  the  fquealing  clilld, 
iiut  Hill  the  child  fqueal'd  on. 

Fa  T  R  A  N- 


68'  J  OHN  S  QN's    P  OEMS. 


TRANSLATION  of  the  Two  Fiift  Stanzas 
of  the  Song  *'  Rio  ^erdey  Rio  'verde,''^  pnnted  in 
Bilhop  Percy's  Reliques  of  ancient  Englifh  Poetry. 

An     IMPROMPTU. 

f^  L  A  S  S  Y  water,  glafly  water, 
^^     Down  whofe  current  clear  and  Ilrong/ 
Chiefs  confus'd  in  mutual  llaughter. 
Moor  and  G'hriiHan  roll  along. 


I.M  IT  A  T  I  O  N  of  the  Style  of  *  *  *  * 

E  R  M I T  hoar,  in  folemn  cell 
-^     Wearing  out  life's  evening  grey  ; 
Strike  thy  bofom  fage,  and  tell 
What  is  blifs,  and  which  the  way. 

This  I  fpoke,  and  fp caking  figh'd. 

Scarce  reprefs'd  the  ftarting  tear-. 
When  the  hoary  fage  reply'd, 

Gorae,  my  lad,  and- drink  feme  beer. 


SUR^ 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        69 

B  U  R  L  E  S  QJLJ  E    of  the  foUowing  Lines  of 
Lopez   de  Vega. 

An    impromptu. 

O  E  acquien  los  leones  vence 
^^     Vence  una  muger  hermofa 
O  el  de  fiaco  averguen^e 
O  ella  di  ler  mas  fariora. 

I F  the  man  who  turnips  cries 
Cry  not  when  his  father  dies, 
'Tis  a  proof  that  he  had  rather 
Have  a  turnip  than  his  father. 

TRANSLATION    of  the  following  Lines   at 
the  End  of  Baketti's  Easy  Phraseology. 

An    impromptu. 

I  \^  A  viva  la  padrona, 
Tutta  bella,  e  tutta  buona. 
La  padrona  e  un  angiolella 
Tutta  buona  e  tutta  bella  5 
Tutta  bella  e  tutta  buona  ; 
Viva  !  viva  la  padrona  ! 

LONG  may  live  my  lovely  Hetty  ! 
Always  young  and  always  pretty. 
Always  pretty,  always  young. 
Live  my  lovely  Hetty  long  I 
Always  young  and  always  pretty, 
J-tOng  may  live  my  lovely  Hetty  ! 

F3  IM- 


V 


70  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

IMPROVISO  TRANSLATION  of  the  following 
Diftich  on  the  Duke  of  Modena's  running  away 
from  the  Comet  in  1742  or  1743. 


s 


E  al  venir  voflro  i  principi  fe  n'  -v-anno 
Deh  venga  ogni  di durate  un  anno. 


IF  at  your  coming  princes  difappear. 
Comets  !  come  every  day — and  flay  a  year. 

IMPROVISO   TRANSLATION  of  the   following 
Lines  of  Monf.  Benserade  a  fon  lit. 


4 


rr^  H  E  A  T  R  E  dcs  ris,  et  des  pleurs, 

"*-     Lit !  ou  j-r  nais,  et  ou  je  meurs, 
Tu  nous  fais  voir  comment  voifms, 
Sont  nos  plaifirs,  et  nos  chagrins, 

IN  bed  we  laugh,  in  bed  w  c  cry, 
A.nd  born  in  bed,  in  bed  we  die  ; 
The  near  approach  a  bed  may  fliew 
Of  human  blifs  to  human  woe. 


EPITAPH    for    Mr.    HOGARTH. 

/"OHE  hand  of  him  here  torpid  lies, 

-*■       That  drew  th'  efTential  form  of  grace  ; 
Here  clos'd  in  death  th'  attentive  eyes. 
That  faw  the  manners  in  the  face. 

T  R  A  N- 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        71 


TRANSLATION  of  the  following  Lines  written 
under  a  Print  reprefenting  Perfons  ikaiting. 

O  U  R  un  mince  chryflal  Thyver  conduit  leurs  pas 
^     Le  precipice  eft  fous  la  glace ; 

Telle  ell:  de  nos  pliifirs  la  legere  furface, 
GliiTez  mortels  ;  n'  appuyez  pas, 

O'ER  ice  the  rapid  Ikaiter  flies. 

With  fport  above  and  death  below ; 
Where  mifchief  lurks  in  gay  difguife. 

Thus  lightly  touch  and  quickly  go. 

IMPROMPTU   TRANSLATION  of  the  fame. 

O'ER  crackling  ice,  o'er  gulphs  profound. 

With  nimble  glide  the  ficaiters  play ; 
O'er  treacherous  pleafure's  flow'ry  ground 

Thus  lightly  fkim,  and  hafle  away. 

To    Mrs.     T    H    R    A    L    E, 

On  her  completing  her  Thirty-fifth  Year. 

An    IMPROMPTU. 

/^  F  T  in  danger,  yet  alive, 
^^  We  are  come  to  thirty-five  j 
Long  may  better  years  arrive. 
Better  years  than  thirty-five. 

F  4  Could 


7a  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Could  philofophers  contrive 
Life  to  Hop  at  thirty- five. 
Time  his  hours  fhould  never  drive 
O'er  the  bounds  of  thirty-five. 
High  to  foar,  and  deep  to  dive. 
Nature  gives  at  thirty- five. 
Ladies,  flock  and  tend  your  hiveji 
Trifle  not  at  thirty-five  ; 
For,  howe'er  we  boaft  and  ftrive. 
Life  declines  from  thirty- five  : 
He  that  ever  hopes  to  thrive 
Muft  begin  by  thirt}''-five  ; 
And  all  who  wifely  vvifh  to  wive 
Mull  look  on  Thrale  at  thirty-five. 


IMPROMPTU  on  hearing  Mifs  THRALE 
coriuking  with  a  Friend  about  a  Gown  and  Hat  fhe 
v/as  ixicUned  to  wear. 


T  ^  7"  ^  ^^  R  t'lic  gown,  and  wear  the  hat. 

Snatch  th;,  pleafures  while  they  lafl  |  i 

Hadft  thou  rune  lives,  like  a  cat. 


Soon  thofe  nine  lives  would  be  pall. 


IM- 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.        73 

IMPROMPTU  TRANSLATION  of  an  AIR  in 
the  Clemenza  de  Tito  of  Metastasio,  begin- 
ning, **  Deh  fe  piacermi  <vuoi.^^ 

"WY  O  U  L  D  you  hope  to  gain  my  heart, 

^  ^     Bid  your  teizing  doubts  depart ; 
He  who  blindly  trufts,  will  find 
Faith  from  every  generous  mind  : 
He  who  ilill  experts  deceit. 
Only  teaches  how  to  cheat. 

TRANSLATION  of  a  Speech  of  Aquileio,  iii 
the  Adriano  of  Metastasio,  beginning,  **  Tu 
chs  in  Corte  iti'vechiajli,'''* 

/^  RO  WN  old  in  courts,  thou  art  not  furely  one 

^^    Who  keeps  the  rigid  rules  of  ancient  honour  ; 

Well  fkili'd  to  foothe  a  foe  with  looks  of  kindnefs. 

To  fink  the  fatal  precipice  before  him. 

And  then  lament  his  fall  with  feeming  friendiliip  : 

Open  to  all,  true  only  to  thyfelf. 

Thou  know'il  thofe  arts  which  blaft  with  envious  praife. 

Which  aggravate  a  fault  with  feign'd  excufes. 

And  drive  difcountenanc'd  virtue  from  the  throne  : 

That  leave  the  blame  of  rigour  to  the  prince. 

And  of  his  ev'ry  gift  ufurp  the  merit ; 

That  hide  in  feeming  zeal  a  v/icked  purpofe. 

And  only  build  upon  another's  ruin. 


\ 


I    75    ] 


P     O     E     M     A     T     A. 


[  Jan.  20,  21,  1773.  ] 

"T  7"  I T  -^  qui  varias  vices 
^        Rerum  perpetuus  temperat  Arbiter, 

La^to  cedere  lumini 
Noclis  triilitiam  qui  gelidae  jubet, 

Acri  fanguine  turgidos, 
Obduiflofque  cculos  nubibus  humidls 

Sanari  voluit  meos. 
Et  me,  cuncla  beans  cui  nocuit  dies, 

Luci  reddidit  et  mihi. 
Qua  te  laude,  Deus  qua  prece  profequar  ? 

Sacri  diicipulus  libri 
Te  Temper  fludiis  utilibus  colam  : 

Grates,  fumme  Pater,  tuis 
Reifle  qui  fruitur  muneribu-,  dedit. 


■r^f-r^Esa 


[  Dec,  25,  1779.  ] 

NUNC  dies  Chrillo  memoranda  nato 
Fulfil,  in  pedlus  mihi  fonte  pururn 
Gaudium  facro  fluat,  et  be.iigni 

Gratia  Cceli ! 

Chrifle 


76  JOHNSON^s    POEMS. 

Chrifte  da  tutam  trepldo  quietem, 
Chrille,  fpem  praefta  flabilem  timenti ; 
Da  fidem  certam,  precibufque  fidis 

Airnue,  Chrifle. 


[  In  Leclo,  die  Paffionis.  Apr.  13,  1781.  ] 

SUMME  Deus,  qui  femper  amas  quodcunque  crealli ; 
Judice  quo,  fcelerum  eft  psnituiile  falus  : 
Da  vcteres  noxas  animo  fic  flere  novato. 
Per  Chriftum  ut  veniam  fit  reperire  mihi. 


[  In  Lciflo.    Dec.  25,  1782.  ] 


OPE  non  inani  confugis, 
^  Peccator,  ad  latus  meum  ; 
Quod  pofcis,  baud  unquam  tibi 
jNegabitur  folatium. 


[No^e, 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  77 


[  Node,  inter  i6  et  17  Junii,  1783  *.  ] 

Q  U  M  M  E  Pater,  quodcunque  tuUm  f  de  corpcre 
^         X  Numen 

Hoc  jl  ftataat,  §  precibus  Chriilus  adefTe  velit : 
Ingenio  parcas,  nee  fit  mihi  culpa  5[  rogaiTe, 

Qua  folum  potero  parte,  **  placere  tibi. 


[  Cal.  Jan.  in  leclo,  ante  lucem.   1784.  ] 

O  U  ?vl  M  E  dator  vitas,  nature  ceteme  maglfler, 
^     Caufarum  feries  quo  moderante  fiuit, 
Refpice  quern  fublgit  feniam,  morbique  feniles. 

Quern  terret  vitae  meta  propinqua  fuse, 
Refpice  inatiliter  lapli  quern  pcenitet  ^vi ; 

Redle  ut  pceniteat,  refpice,  magne  parens. 

*  The  night  above  referred  to  by  Dr.  Johnfon  was  that  in  which 
a  paralytick  ft;-oke  had  deprived  him  of  his  voice,  and,  in  the  anxiety 
he  felt  left  it  fhould  likewife  have  impaired  his  underftanding,  he 
compofed  the  above  Lines,  and  faid  concerning  theni,  that  he  knew 
at  the  time  that  they  were  not  good,  buc  then  he  deemed  hii  dvf- 
cerning  this,  to  be  fafficieat  for  the  qu'ecing  the  anx'ety  before  men- 
tioned, as  it  flie-.vcd  him  that  his  po.vcr  of  judging  was  not  dimi- 
niihe^. 

t  Al.  t'jae.  I  Al.  leges.  ||  AI.  ftaruant. 

§  Al.  votis.  ^  Al,  precari.  **  Al.  litare. 

PA- 


78  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


T)  A  T  E  R  benigne,  fumma  femper  lenitasi 
■*'     Crimine  gravatam  plurimo  mentem  leva 
Concede  veram  poenitentiam,  precor. 
Concede  agendam  legibus  vitam  tuis. 
Sacri  vagantes  luminis  grefias  face 
Rege,  et  tuere,  quae  nocent  pellens  procul ; 
Veniam  petenti,  fumme  da  veniam,  pater  ; 
Venkeque  fandla  pacis  adde  gaudia  : 
Sceleris  ut  expers  omni,  et  vacuus  metu, 
Te,  mente  pura,  mente  tranquilla  colam  : 
Mihi  dona  morte  haec  impetret  Chriftus  fua. 


[  Jan.  i8,  1784.  ] 


'% 


O  U  M  M  E  Pater,  puro  coUuftra  lumine  peflus 
^     Anxietas  noceat  ne  tenebrofa  mihi. 
In  me  fparfa  manu  virtutum  femina  larga 

Sic  ale,  proveniat  mefiis  ut  ampla  boni. 
Nodles  atque  dies  animo  fpes  laeta  recnrfet, 

Certa  mihi  fan£iO  fiagret  amorc  fides. 
Certa  vetet  dubitare  fides,  fpes  laeta  timere, 

Velle  vetet  cuiquam  non  bene  fanflus  amor. 
Da,  ne  fint  permilfa,  pater,  mihi  prsmia  fruftra, 

Et  colere,  et  leges  femper  amare  tuas. 
Hjec  mihi,  quo  gentes,  quo  fecula,  Chriile,  piafti. 

Sanguine,  precanti  promereare  tuo  ! ' 

[Feb. 


POEMATA.  i^ 


[  Feb.  27,  1784.  ] 

MENS  mea  quid  quereris  ?   veniet  dbi  mollior 
hora. 
In  fammo  ut  videas  numine  Iseta  patrem  ; 
DivinaiD  in  fontes  iram  placavit  Jefus ; 
Nunc  eft  pro  poena  pcsnituifle  reis. 


CHRISTIAN  US    PERFECTUS. 

OU I  capit  in  fanftos  Chrifto  cogente  referri, 
Abftergat  moDdi  labem,  nee  gaudia  carnis 
Captans,  nee  faftu  tumidus,  femperque  futuro 
Inftet,  et  evellens  terroris  Ipicula  corde, 
Sufpiciat  tandem  ciementem  in  numine  patrem. 

Huic  qiKXjue,  nee  genti  nee  feft-e  noxius  ulli. 
Sit  facer  orbis  amor,  miferis  qui  Temper  adefle 
GelEat,  et,  nullo  pietatis  limite  claufus, 
Cunclorum  ignofcat  vitiis,  pietate  fruatur. 
Ardeat  huic  toto  facer  ignis  peflore,  poflit 
Ut  vitam,  pofcat  fi  res,  impendcre  vero. 

Cara  placere  Deo  fit  prima,  fit  ultima,  fandlas 
Irruptum  \it2e  eupiat  fervare  tcnorem  ; 
Et  fibi,  delirans  quanquam  et  peccator  in  horas 
Difpliceat,  ferret  tutum  fab  pedore  redum  : 
Nee  natet,  et  nunc  has  partes,  nunc  eligat  illas. 

Nee 


2r  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Nee  dubitet  quern  dicat  heruni,  fed,  totus  in  uno, 
Se  fidum  addicat  Chrifio,  mortalia  temnens. 

Sed  timeat  femper,  caveatque  ante  omnia,  turb«e 
Ne  ftolidge  finiilis,  leges,  fibi  fegreget  audax 
Quas  fervaie  velit,  kges  quas  leiitus  omittat. 
Plenum  opus  cftugiens,  aptans  juga  mollia  collo 
Sponte  fua  demens  ;  nih;lum  decedere  fumm^e 
Vult  Deus,  at,  qui  cunda  dedit  tibi,  cunfta  repofcit* 

Dei.ique  perpetuo  contendit  in  ardua  nifu, 
Auxilicque  Dei  fretus,  jam  mente  ferena 
Pergii,  et  imperils  fentit  fe  dulcibus  adlum. 
Paulatim  mores,  animum,  vitamque  refingit, 
ESigiemque  Dei,  quantum  fervare  licebit, 
Induit,  et,  terris  major,  cceleftia  fpirat. 


Zfj  T  E  R  N  E  rerum  conditor, 
'^^— '  Salutis  sternse  dator  ; 
Felicitatis  fedibus 
Qui  nee  fceleftos  exigis, 
Quofcumque  fcelerurr  pcenitet ; 
Ba,  Ciiriile,  pcenitf     iam, 
Veniar:iqje,  CLriile,  ria  mihi ; 
^grum  trahenti  fpiritum 
Succurre  prsfens  corpori, 
Multo   Tavatam  crimine 
Alentem  benignus  alleva. 


LUCE 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  8/ 


T     U  C  E  coJluftret  mihi  pedus  alma, 
'*— '  Pellat  et  trifles  animi  tenebras. 
Nee  finat  Temper  tremere  ac  dolore. 

Gratia  Chrifii : 

Me  pater  tandem  rcduccm  benigno 
Summus  amplexu  foveat,  bcato 
Me  gregi  fanftus  focium  beatum 

Spiritus  addat. 


JEJUNIUM     ET    CI  BUS. 

OERVIAT  ut  menti  corpus  jejunia  ferva, 
^•^  Ut  mens  utatur  corpore,  fume  cibos. 


URBANE,  nullis  feffe  laborlbus. 
Urbane,  nullis  vicle  calumnils, 
Cui  fronte  fertum  in  erudita 
Perpetuo  viret,  et  virebit ; 

Quid  moiiatur  gens  imitantiam. 
Quid  et  minetur,  follicitus  parum, 
Vacare  folis  perge  Mufis, 
Juxta  aiiirno  ftudiifque  felix. 

Lingure  pr,ocacis  plumbea  fplcula, 
fidens,  fuperbo  frange  filentio  ; 

Vidlrix  per  obflantes  catervas 
Scdulitas  ani/nofa  tendet. 

Vol,  LXXil.  '  Q  intende 


?5  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Nee  dubitet  quem  dicat  herum,  fed,  totus  in  uno, 
Se  fidum  addicat  CJiriuO,  mortalia  temnens. 

Sed  timeat  femper,  caveatcjue  ante  omnia,  turbae 
Ne  ftolidas  fimilis,  leges,  fibi  fegreget  audax 
Qlias  Tervare  velit,  kges  quas  lentus  omittat. 
Plenum  opus  cffugiens,  aptans  juga  mollia  collo 
Sponte  fua  demens  ;  nihilum  decedere  fumm^e 
Vuk  Deus,  at,  qui  cuncta  dedit  tibi,  cundla  repofcit. 

Dei.ique  perpetuo  contendit  in  ardua  nifu, 
Auxilicque  Dei  fretus,  jam  mente  ferena 
Pergii,  et  imperiis  fentit  fe  dulcibus  adum. 
Pauiatim  mores,  animum,  vitamque  refingit, 
Emgiemque  Dei,  quantum  fervare  licebit, 
Induit,  et,  terris  major,  coeleftia  fpirat. 


TT?  T  E  R  N  E  rerum  conditor, 
•^^— '  Salutis  seternse  dator  ; 
Felicitatis  fedibus 
Qui  nee  fceleflos  exigis, 
Quofcumque  fcelerair.  pcenitet ; 
Da,  ChiiHe,  pcenitf     iam, 
Veniaraqje,  Ciifiile,  r^a  mihi  ; 
^grum  trahenti  fpiritum 
Succurre  prrefens  corpori, 
Multo  .?ravatam  crimine 
Mentem  bei.i^nus  alleva. 


LUCE 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  8/ 


T     U  C  E  collufiret  mihi  pedlus  alma, 
j*-^  Pellat  et  trifles  animi  tenebras. 
Nee  Tinat  femper  tremere  ac  dolore. 

Gratia  ChrifH: 

Me  pater  tandem  reducem  benigno 
Summus  amplexu  foveat,  beato 
Me  gregi  fanflus  focium  beatum 

Spiritus  addat. 


s 


J  E  J  U  N  I  U  ?vl     E  T    C  I  B  U  S. 

E  R  V I  A  T  ut  menti  corpus  jejunia  ferva, 
Ut  mens  utatur  corpore,  fume  cibos. 


URBAN  E,  nullis  fcfTz  laboribus. 
Urbane,  nullis  victe  calumniis, 
Cui  fronte  fertum  in  erudita 
Perpetno  viret,  et  \irebit ; 

Quid  moliatar  gens  imitantlam. 
Quid  et  minetur,  foilicitus  parum, 
Vacare  folis  perge  Mufis, 
Juxta  animo  Itudiifque  felix. 

Lingune  procacis  piumbea  {picula, 
f  idens,  fuperbo  frange  filentio  ; 

Vidlrix  per  obilantes  catervas 
Scdulitas  ani/rtofa  tendet. 

yoL,  LXXII.  '  Q  intende 


n  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Triftis  et  atra  quies,  et  tardae  taedia  vitze. 

Nafcuntur  curis  curae,  vexatque  dolor um 

Iniportuna  cohors,  vacuze  mala  Ibmnia  mentis. 

Nunc  clamofa  juvant  noflurnjE  gaudia  menfa;. 

Nunc  loca  fola  placent;  frullra  te,  Somne,  recumbent 

Alme  voco,  impatiens  nodlis  metuenfque  diei. 

Omnia  percurro  trepidus,  circum  omnia  lullro. 

Si  qua  ulquam  pateat  melioris  femita  vita?. 

Nee  quid  agam  iovenio,  mcditatus  grandia,  cogor 

Notior  ipfe  mlhi  fieri,  incultumque  fateri 

Pciflas,  et  ingenium  vano  fe  robore  ja6lans. 

Ingenium  nifi  materiem  do6lrina  miniftrat, 

Ceffat  inops  re'rum,  ut  torpet,  fi  marmoris  abfit 

Copia,  Phidiaci  frecunda  potentia  coeli. 

Quicquid  agam,  quocunque  ferar,  conatibus  obflat 

Res  angufta  domi,  et  macrse  penuria  mentis. 

Non  rationis  opes  animus,  nunc  parta  recenfeni 
Confpicit  aggeHas,  et  fe  miratur  in  illis. 
Nee  fibi  de  gaza  praefens  quod  ^^oftulat  ufus 
Summus  adclle  jubet  celfa  dominator  ab  arce ; 
Non,  operum  ferie  feriem.  dum  computat  a^vij, 
Prasteiitis  fruitur,  Isetos  aut  fumit  honores 
Ipfe  fui  judex,  aels  bene  munera  vita; ; 
Sed  faa  r.egna  videns,  loca  noifLe  filentia  late 
Horret,  ubi  vans  Ipecies,  umbrasque  fugaces, 
Et  rerum  volitant  rarae  per  inane  figuras. 

Quid  faciam  ?  tenebrifne  pigram  damnare  fenedlan? 
Rertat  r  an  accingar  fludiis  graviorlbus  audax  ? 
Aut,  hoc  Ti  nimium  ell,  tandem  nova  lexica  pofcam  ? 


AD 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  t5 

AD     T  H  O  M  AM     LAURENCE, 

MeDICUM     DOCTISSIMUM 

Cum  fillum  peregre  agcnttm  defiderlo  nimis  trifli  pfo- 

fr^queretur. 

T7^  A  T  E  R I S  ergo,  quod  populus  folet 
"^      Crepare  vsecors,  nil  fapientiam 
Prodefle  vits,  literafque  ; 
In  dubiis  dare  terga  rebus 

Tu,  queis  laborat  fors  hominum,  mala, 
Kec  vincis  acer,  nee  pateris  plus, 
Te  miile  fuccorum  potentem 
Deflituit  mcdicina  m.ends. 

Per  caeca  noclls  t.Tdia  turbida;, 
Pigra3  per  horas  lucis  inutiles, 
Torpefque,  languefcifque,  curls 
Solicitus  nimis  heu  I  paternis. 

Tandem  dolori  plus  fatis  eft  datum, 
Exurge  fortii,  nunc  animis  opus, 

Tc,  docla,  Laurenti ;  vetuftas,  < 

Te  medici  revocant  labores. 

P^rmitte  fummo  quicquid  habes  patrl, 
Permitte  fidens,  et  muliebribus. 
Amice,  majorem  querelis 

Rcdde  tuisi  tibi  redde,  mentera. 

G  3  IN 


6  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


IN    T  H  E  A  T  R  O,  March  8,  1771. 

np  E  R  T 1 1  verfo  quater  orbe  luflri, 
■*■     Quid  theatrales  tibi,  Crifpe,  pompse  ? 
Quam  decet  canos  male  Ikeratos 

Sera  voluptas ! 

Tene  mulceri  fidibus  canoris  ? 
Tene  cantorum  modulis  ftupere  ? 
Tene  per  piftas  oculo  elegante 

Currere  formas  ? 

Inter  squales,  fine  felle  liber. 
Codices,  veri  lludiofus,  inter 
Redlius  vives.     Sua  quifque  carpat 

Gaudia  gratus. 

Lufibus  gaudet  puer  otiofis, 
Luxus  obleflat  juvenem  theatrl. 
At  feni  fluxo  fapienter  uti 

Tempore  reflate 


INSULA  KENNETHI,   INTER  HEBRIDAS, 

Yy  A  R  V  A  quidem  regio,  fed  relligione  priorum 
•*•       Clara  Caledonias  panditur  inter  aquas. 
Voce  ubi  Cennethus  populos  domuilTe  feroces 
Dicitur>  et  vanos  dedocuiffe  deos. 

Hue 


1 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  «7 

^uc  ego  delatus  placido  per  caeruLa  curfu. 

Scire  locus  volui  quid  daret  ifte  novi. 
Illic  Leniadei  humili  regnabat  in  aula, 

Lenlades,  mac^nis  nobilitatus  avis, 
Una  duas  cepit  cafa  cum  genitore  puellas, 

Quas  Amor  undarum  crederet  efie  deas. 
Nee  tamen  inculti  gelidis  latuere  fub  antris, 

Accola  Danubii  qualia  faevus  habet. 
MoIIia  non  defunt  vacua;  folatia  vitae 

Sive  libros  pofcant  otia,  five  lyram. 
Fulferat  ilia  dies,  legis  qua  dodla  fupernae 

Spes  hominum  et  curas  gens  procul  &&  jubet* 
Ut  precibus  jufias  avertat  numinis  iras 

Et  fummi  accendat  pedlus  amore  boni. 
Ponti  inter  flrepitus  non  facri  munera  cultus 

CelTarunt,  pietas  hie  quoque  cura  fiiit. 
Nil  opus  eft  seris  facra  de  turre  fonantis 

Admonitu,  ipfa  fuas  nuneiat  hora  vices. 
Quid,  quod  faerifici  verfavit  femina  libros  ? 

Sint  pro  legitimis  pura  labella  facris. 
Quo  vagor  ulterius  ?  quod  ubique  requiritur  hie  eft> 

Hie  fecura  quies,  hie  et  honeftus  amor. 


S    K    I    A. 

T)  O  N  T I  profundis  claufa  receflibus, 
■*-     Strepens  procellis,  rupibus  obfita, 
Quam  grata  defefTo  virentem, 
Skia,  fmum  nebulofa  pandis ! 

G4  Hb 


U  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

His,  cura,  credo,  fedihiis  exulat ; 
His  bianda  certe  pax  habitat  locis  ; 
Non  ira,  non  moeror  quietis 
Infidias  meditatur  horis. 

At  non  cavata  rupe  latefcere, 
Menti  nee  aegras  montibus  aviis 
Prodeft  vagari,  nee  frementes' 
In  fpecula  numerare  fluftus. 

Humana  virtus  non  fibi  fufHcit ; 
Datur  nee  asquum  cuique  animum  fih'x 
Parare  pofle,  utcunque  jaflet 
Grandiloquus  nimis  alta  Zeno. 

Exsefluantis  pedloris  impetum 
Rex  fumme,  folus  tu  regis,  arbiter  ; 
Mentifque,  te  tollente,  fiudus ; 
Te,  refident,  moderante  fludtus. 


ODE,    D  E    S  K  I  A    INSULA. 

TpERMEO  terras  ubi  nuda  rupes 
•*■     Saxeas  mifeet  nebulis  ruinas, 
Torva  ubi  rident  fteriles  coloni 

Rura  labcfres. 

Pervagor  gentes  hominum  ferorum. 
Vita  ubi  nullo  deeorata  cultu 
Squallet  informis,  tigurique  fumis 

Faeda  latefcit. 


Inter 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  S9 

Inter  erroris  falebrofa  longi. 
Inter  Ignotae  flrepitus  loquela?, 
Quot  modis,  mecum,  quid  agat,  requiro, 

Thralia  dulcis  ? 

Seu  viri  curas,  pia  nupta  mulcet, 
Seu  fovet  mater  fobolem  benigna, 
S'lvz  cum  libris  novitate  pafcit 

Sedula  mentem. 

Sit  mcmor  noflri,  fideique  folvat 
Fida  merccdem,  meritcque  blandum 
Thralia;  difcant  refonare  nomen 

Littora  Skia;. 


S     P     E     S. 

Apr.  i6,  17S3. 

T  T  O  R  A  fie  peragit  citata  curfum  ; 
•*■  ■*-  Sic  diem  fequitur  dies  f  jgacem  ! 
Spes  novas  nova  lux  parit,  fecuada 
Spondens  omnia  credulis  homullis ; 
Spes  ludit  ftolidas,  metuque  caeco 
Lux  angit,  miferos  ludens  homullos. 


$0 


JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


VERSUS,    COLLARI    CAPR/E    DoMINI    BANKS* 

INSCRIBENDI. 


P 


ERPETUI,  ambita  bis  terra  premia  ladlis 
Hxc  habet,  altrici  capra  fecunda  Jovis. 


Ad   Fceminam    quandam   Generofam   quae  Libertads 
Caufas  in  Sermone  patrocinata  fuerat. 

T    IBER  ut  eiTe  velim,  fuafiili,  pulchra  Maria  : 
**—'  Ut  maneam  liber,  pulchra  Maria,  vale. 


JACTURA     TEMPORIS. 

TTORA  perit  furtim  Isetis,  mens  temporis  segra 
Pigritiam  incufat,  nee  minus  hora  perit. 


0 


UAS  navis  recipit,  quantum  fit  pondus  aquarum> 
Dimidium  tanti  ponderis  intret  onus. 


0 


UOT  vox  milTa  pedes  abit  horas  parte  fecunda  ? 
Undecies  centum  denos  quater  adde  duofque. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  9t 


E.?     B  I  P  X  I  O  N*. 


E»5  TO  T53J   E  Airs  HI'  f  -TTEpt  Twj-  'Ovftfwi' "Ajwjaa. 

Kywpoj,  /x»9d    avTH  axnTrTfct  ^e//>}>>e  0£a»' 
Ex    Aio?  er*"    Oxzp,  6e?c5  ttot  s'7fa4'£i' '0/<c>jpo5, 

Zev?    yiovvoq  (p?^!oiVTt  "jto^k;  iXTrepcs  y.zfocvfof, 
''OfjL^a^i  AcefCTTfa  Ajo?  KyTrp?  oiVa  (pBpsi, 

In     E  L  I  Z -^     Enigma. 

OyiS  formx  modus  imperio  ?  Venus  arrogat  audax 
Omnia,  nee  curs  funt  fua  fceptra  Jovi. 

Ab  Jove  Mreonides  defcendere  fomnia  narrat ; 
Hasc  venlunt  Cypris  fomnia  miiTa  De^. 

Jupiter  unus  erat,  qui  fti-a\'it  fulmine  gentes ; 
Nunc  armant  Veneris  lumina  tela  Jovis. 

*  The  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  Birch,  author  of  the  Hlftory  of  the 
Royal  Society,  and  other  %vorks  of  note. 

•j-  The  Lady  on  whom  thefs  verfes,  and  the  Latin  ones  which 
immediately  follow,  were  written,  is  the  celebrated  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Carter,  who  tranflated  the  works  of  Eri^ctus  from  the  Greek. 

MES- 


J  O  HNS  ON' s    POEMS. 


1 


M    E     S     S     I    A. 

Ex  alieno  ingenlo  poeta,  ex  fuo  tantum  verrificatof* 

ScALiG.  Poet. 

'"T^OLLITE  concentum,  Solyma^se  tollite  nymphsef 

"*■     Nil  mortale  loauor  :  ccelum  rmhi  carmmis  aha 
Materies  ;  pofcunt  gravius  ccelefiia  ple6lrum. 
Mufcofi  fontes,  fylveftria  tedla  valete, 
Aonidefque  Des,  et  mendacis  fomnia  Pindi : 
Tu,  mihi,  qui  flam  ma  mo'vifri  pectora  lanfli 
Siderea  Ifaise,  dignos  accende  furores  ! 

Immatura  calens  rapitur  per  fecula  vates 
Sic  orfus — Qualis  rerum  mihi  nafcitur  ordo  ! 
Virgo  !  virgo  parit  1  felix  radicibus  arbor 
JefTEis  fargit,  mulcentefque  sthera  flores 
Ccelelles  lambunt  anims,  ramifqvie  columba, 
Nuncia  facra  Dei,  plaudentibus  infidct  alis. 
Ne<ftareos  rores,  alimentaque  mitia  coelum 
Pr^^beat,  et  tacite  fcecundos  irriget  imbres. 
Hue,  fcedat  quos  lepra,  urit  quos  febris,  adefle, 
pia  falutares  fpiraut  medicamina  rami ; 
Hie  requies  fefiis ;  non  facra  fssvit  in  umbra 
Vis  Bores  gelida,  aut  rapidi  violentia  folis. 
Irrita  vanefcent  prifca  velligia  fraudis 
Juftitiaeque  manus  pretio  intemerata  bilancem 
Attollet  reduciji  j  bellis  prstendet  olivas 

Com- 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  f  3 

Compofitis  p?.x  alma  fuas,  ternifque  revifcns 
Sedatas  nivco  virtus  lucebit  amivftu  : 
Volvantur  celeres  anrii !  lux  purpuret  ortum 
Expedlata  diu  !  naturae  clauftra  refringens, 
Naibcre,  magne  puer  !   tibi  primas,  ecce,  coroUr.s 
Depropcrat  tellu:,  fundit  tibi  munera,  quicquid 
Carpit  Arabs,  hortis  quicquid  frondefcit  Eois. 
Altlus,  en  !   Lebanon  gaudentia  culmina  tollit. 
En  !  fummo  exultant  nutantes  vertice  fylva;. 
Mittit  aromaticas  vallis  Sarcnica  nubes, 
Et  juga  Carmcli  recreant  fragrantia  coslum. 
Deferti  la?ta  mollercunt  albera  voce 
Auditur  Deus  !  ecce  Deus !  rcboantia  circum 
Saxa  fonant,  Deus ;  ecce  Deus  !  defieclitur  ::ether, 
Deni-ffamque  Deuin  tellus  capit ;  ardua  cedrus, 
Gloria  fylvarum,  dominum  inclijiata  falutet. 
Surgite  convalles,  tumidi  fiabndite  montes  ! 
Sternite  faxa  viam,  rapidi  difcedite  fiuiflus  : 
En  !  quern  turba  diu  cccinerunt  enthca,  vates 
lin  !  falvator  adeli :  vultus  aj^nofcite  ca:ci 
Divinos,  furdcs  facra  vox  permulceat  aures. 
I!le  cutim  fpifTam  vKus  hebet^.re  vetabit, 
Reclufifque  oculis  infandjt  am:ibile  lumen  ; 
Obflridaique  diu  linguas  in  carmina  folvet 
I  lie  \ias  vocis  pandet,  Ilexufque  liqucntis 
Harmonirc  purgata  novos  inirabitur  auris. 
Accrcfcunt  teneris  tactu  nova  robora  nervis : 
Confuctus  fulcro  innixus  reptare  bacilli 
Nunc  faku  aipreas,  nunc  curfu  provocat  euros. 
{S'cn  plandu-3,  nOxi  inctfta  ionant  iufplria ;  pc(flus 

SIu- 


94  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Singultans  mulcet,  lachrymantes  tergit  ocellos. 

Vincla  coercebunt  ludlantem  adamanrina  mortem, 

iEternoque  Orci  doininator  vulnere  ianguens 

Invalid!  raptos  iceptri  plorabit  honores. 

Ut  qua  dulce  Hrepent  fcatebr^e,  qua  lata  virefcunt 

Pafcua,  qua  bland  um  fpirat  puniiimus  aer, 

Paftor  agit  pecudes,  teneros  modo  fufcipit  agnos 

Et  gremio  fotis  feletftas  porrigit  herbas, 

AmilTas  modo  quserit  eves,  revocatque  vagantes ; 

Fidus  adeft  cuftos,  feu  nox  furat  horrida  nimbis, 

Sive  dies  medius  morientia  torreat  arva, 

Poilera  fic  paftor  divinus  fecla  beabit, 

Et  curas  felix  patrias  teflabitur  orbis. 

Non  ultra  infeftis  concurrent  agmina  fignis, 

Hoftiles  oculis  ilammas  jaculantia  torvis  ; 

Non  litui  accendent  bellum,  non  campus  ahenis 

Trifle  corufcabit  radiis ;  dabit  hafta  recufa 

Vomerem,  et  in  faicem  rigidus  curvabitur  enfis. 

Atria,  pacis  opus,  furgent,  iinemque  caduci 

Natus  ad  optatum  perducet  cnspta  parentis. 

Qui  duxit  fulcos,  illi  teret  area  mefTem, 

St  ferae  texent  vites  umbracula  proli. 

Attoniti  dumeta  vident  inculta  coloni 

Suave  rubere  rofis,  iitientefque  inter  arenas 

Garrula  mirantur  falientis  murmura  rivi. 

Per  faxa,  ignivomi  nuper  fpelsa  draconis, 

Canna  viret,  juncique  tremit  variabilis  umbra, 

Horruit  implexo  qua  vallis  fente,  iigurss 

Surgit  amans  abies  teretis,  buxique  fequaces 

Artiiicis  frondent  dsxtrse  ;  palmifque  rubeta 

Afpera, 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A. 

Afpera,  odoratoe  cedunt  mala  gramina  myrto. 
Per  valles  fociata  lupo  lafciviet  agna, 
Cumpue  leone  petet  tutus  pra?fepe  juvencus. 
Florea  manfuetae  petulantes  vincula  tigri 
Per  ludum  pucn  injicient,  et  fefTa  colubri 
Membra  viatoris  recreabunt  frigore  linguae-. 
Serpentes  teneris  nil  jam  iethale  micantes 
Tradabit  palmis  infans,  motufque  trifalcas 
Ridebit  linguae  innocuos,  fquamafque  virentes 
Aureaque  admirans  rutilantls  fulgura  criflas. 
Indue  reginam,  turrits  f'-ontis  honores 
Tolle  Salema  facros,  quam  circum  gloria  pennas 
Explicat,  incinclam  radiate  luce  tiarse  ! 
En  1  formofa  tibi  fpatiola  per  atria,  proles 
Ordinibus  furgit  denfis,  vitamque  requirit 
Impatiens,  lenteque  fluentes  increpat  anncs. 
Ecce  peregrinis  fervent  tua  limina  turbis  ; 
Barbaras  en  !  clarum  divine  lumine  templum 
Ingreditur,  cultuque  tuo  manfuefcere  gaudet. 
Cinnameos  cumulcs,  Nabathsi  munera  veris, 
Ecce  cremant  genibus  tritse  regalibas  arae  ! 
Solis  Ophyrasis  crudum  tibi  moniibus  aurum 
Maturant  r^dii ;  tibi  baliama  iudat  Idume. 
iEtheris  en  portas  facro  fulgore  micantes 
Coslicolai  pandunt.  torrentis  aurea  lucis 
Flumina  prorumpur.t  ;  non  pofthac  ible  rubefcet 
India  nafcenti,  placidsve  argentea  no6lis 
Luna  vices  revehet ;  radios  pater  ipfe  dici 
Proferet  archetypes ;  cceleilis  gaudia  lucis 
Ipio  fonte  bibes,  qua:  circumfuia  ber-tam 


9S 


Regiam 


96  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Regiam  inundabit,  nullis  ceilura  tenebris, 
Littora  dcficicns  arentia  deferei  a^quor ; 
Sidera  fumabunt,  diro  labL'fa(5la  tremore 
Saxa  cadcnt,  lol.dique  liquefcent  robora  montis  : 
Tu  fecura  tamen  confula  elementa  vidcbis, 
Lstaque  Meffia  femper  dominabere  rege, 
Pollicitis  firmata  Dji,  flabilita  ruinis. 


*  /^  QUI  benlgnus  crimina  ignofcis,  pater 
^^  Faciliique  Temper  confitenti  ad.'s  reo, 
Aurem  faventem  precibus  O  prsbe  meis ; 
Scebrum  catena  me  labcrantem  grave 
Sterna  tandem  liberet  dementia, 
Ut  fimima  laus  lit,  fuxTima  ChriHo  gloria. 


T)ER  vita;  tenebras  rerumque  incerta  vagantem 

"^       Numine  prasfenti  me  tueare  pater  ! 

Me  ducat  lax  fancla,  Deus,  lux  fancla  fequatur ; 

Ufquc  regat  greflus,  gratia  fida  meos. 
Sic  psragam  tua  jufTa  libens,  accinclus  ad  omne 

Mandatum,  vivam  fic  moriarque  tibi. 

*  This  and  the  three  following  articles  are  metrical  verfions  of 
colle£ts  in  the  Liturgy:  the  i(},  of  that,  beginning,  **  O  God 
whofe  nature  and  prope  ty ;"  the  ad  and  3-J,  of  the  colle£ls  for  the 
17th  and  2ift  Sundays  after  Trinity  5  and  the  4th,  of  the  ift  coir 
ledl  in  the  comr-iunion  fci-vice, 

ME, 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  97 


A  /T  E,  pater  omnlpotens,  de  puro  rcfpice  cixlo, 
-^^■^     Quern  mosrtum  et  timidum  crimina  gravant ; 
Da  veniam  pacemqae  milii,  da,  mente  ferena, 

Ut  tibi  quse  placeant,  omma  promptus  agam. 
Solvi,  quo  Chrifius  cuniftis  delicla  redemit, 

Et  pro  me  pretium,  tu  patiare,  pater. 


[  Dec.  5,  1784*.  ] 

QUMMK  Deus,  cui  caeca  patent  penetralia  cordis ; 
^     Quern  nulla  anxietas,  nulla  cupido  fiigit ; 
Quern  nil  vp.fnties  peccantum  fubdola  celat ; 

Omnia  qui  fpcvflans,  omnia  ubique  regis  ; 
Mentibus  aiflam  terrenas  ejice  fordes 

Divino,  fanclus  regnet  ut  intus  amor : 
Eloquiumque  potens  Unguis  torpentibus  afFer, 

Ut  tibi  laus  omni  Temper  ab  ore  fonet : 
Sanguine  quo  gentes,  quo  fecula  cun6la  piavit, 

Ha:c  nobis  Chriftus  promeruilTe  velit ! 

•  The  day  on  which  he  received  the  facrament  for  the  lad  time; 
stnd  eight  days  before  his  deceafe. 


Vol.  LXXir.  H  ?  S  A  L- 


jS  JOHNSON'S    POEMS, 


P  S  A  L  M  U  s     cxvir. 

A  N  N I  qua  volucris  ducitur  orbita, 
•^-*-  Patrent  coelicolum  perpetuo  colunt 
Quovis  fanguine  crctae 
Gentes  undique  carmine. 
Patrem,  cujus  amor  blandior  in  dies 
Mortales  miferos  fervat,  alit,  fovetj 
Omnes  undique  gentes, 
Sando  dicite  carmine. 


*   Q  E  U  te  fasva  fitis,  levitas  iive  improba  fecit, 

^  Mufca,  mes  comitem,  participemque  dapis. 
Pone  metum,  rolmnn  iidens  immitte  culullo. 

Nam  licet,  et  toto  prclue  l?2ta  mero. 
Tu,  quamcunque  tibi  velox  indulferit  annus, 

Carpe  diem,  fvigit,  heu,  non  revocanda  dies ! 
QujE  nos  blanda  comes,  qus  nos  perdacat  ecdem, 

Volvitur  hora  mihi,  volvitur  hcra  tibi ! 
Una  quidcm,  fic  fata  volunt,  tibi  viritur  rcitas, 

Eheu,  quid  dccies  plus  mihi  fexta  dedit  ! 
Oiim,  pr:i:terit?^  numeranti  tempera  vitcS, 

Sexaginta  annis  non  minor  unus  erit. 

*  The  above  is  a  verfion  of  the  fong,  *' Bufy,  curious,  thirty 
fly." 

HABEO, 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A. 


99 


TT  A B E  O,  dedi  quod  alteri  ; 
'*'  "■■   Habaique,  quod  dedi  mihi  5 
Sed  quod  reliqui,  perdidi. 


t  E   WALTONI    PISCATORE     PERFECTO 
EXCERPTUM. 

■^^TUNC,  per  gramma  fufi, 

^    Densa  fronde  falidti, 
Dum  defenditur  imber, 
Molles  ducimus  horas. 

Hie, 

*  Thefe  Lines  are  a  verfion  of  three  fentences  that  are  fald  in  the 
manufcript  to  be  **  On  the  monument  of  John  of  Doncafterj''* 
and  which  are  as  follow : 

What  I  gave  that  I  have ; 

What  I  fpent  that  I  had  j 

What  I  left  that  I  loft. 

•j-  Thefe  Lines  are  a  Tranflation  of  part  of  a  Song  in  the  Com- 
plete Angler  of  Ifaac  Walton,  written  by  John  Chalkhlll,  a  friend 
of  Spenfer,  and  a  good  poet  in  his  time.  They  are  but  part  cf  the 
laft  ftanza,  which,  that  the  Reader  may  have  it  entire,  is  here  given 
at  length. 

If  the  fun's  exceflive  heat 

Make  our  bodies  fwelter. 
To  an  ofier  hedge  we  get 
For  a  friendly  {}»elter } 

H  2  Where 


joo  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Hie,  dum  debita  morti 
Paulum  vita  moratur. 
Nunc  refcire  priofai 
Nunc  inftare  futuris, 
Nunc  fommi  prece  fanfta 
Patris  numen  adire  eft. 
Quicquid  qusritur  ultra, 
Caeco  ducit  amore, 
Vel  fpe  ludit  inani, 
Luftus  mox  pariturum. 

Where  in  a  dlkcj 
Pearch  or  pike. 
Roach  or  dace. 
We  do  chafe, 
Bleak  or  gudgeon, 
Without  grudging, 
We  are  ft  ill  contented. 

Or  we  fometimes  pafs  an  hour 

Under  a  green  willow, 
That  defends  us  from  a  fliower. 
Making  earth  our  pillow  j 
Where  we  may 
Think  and  pray. 
Before  death 
Stops  our  breath  : 
Other  joys 
Are  but  toys. 
And  to  be  laniented. 


QUIS- 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  101 


*  /^  U I S  QJJ  r  S    iter  tendis,   vitreas  qua  lucidus 

Nr  undas 

Speluncas  late  Thamefis  pr^etendit  opacae  ; 
Marmorea  trepidant  qus  lentae  in  fornice  guttas, 
Cryftallifque  latex  fradlus  fcintillat  acutis ; 
Gemmaque,  luxuris  nondum  famulata  nitenti 
Splendet,  et  incoquitur  teftum  fine  fraude  metallum ; 
Ingredere  O  !   rerum  pura  cole  mente  parentem  ; 
Auriferafque  auri  metuens  fcrutare  cavernas. 
Ingredere  !  Egeriae  facrum  en  tibi  panditur  antrum  ! 
Hie,  in  fe  totum,  longe  per  opaca  futuri 
Tempoiis,  Henricum  rapuit  vis  vivida  mentis : 
Hie  pia  Vindamius  traxit  fufpiria,  in  ipsa 
Morte  memor  patri^ ;  hie,  Marmonti  pe£lore  pruna 
Coeleilis  fido  caluerunt  femina  flammas. 
Temnere  opes,  pretium  fceleris,  patriamque  tueri 
Fortis,  ades ;  tibi  iponte  patet  venerabile  limen. 

*  The  above  Lines  are  a  verfion  of  Pope's  verfes  on  his  own 
grotto,  which  begin,  *'  Thou  who  flialt  itop  where  Thames  traaf- 
iucent  wave." 


H  3  GR-E- 


loz  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


GR.^CORUM  EPIGRAMMATUM  VERSIONES 

METRICS. 

Pag.  2.  Brodsi  edit.  Baf.  Ann.  1549. 
"XT ON  Argos  pugilem,  non  me  Meffana  creavit; 

Patria  Sparta  milii  elli,  patria  clara  virum. 
Arte  valent  iHi,  mihi  robo  revivere  folo  eft, 
Convenit  ut  natis,  inclyta  Sparta,  tuis. 


Br.  2. 
QUANDOQUIDEM  paffim  nulla  ratione  feruntur, 
Cunda  cinis,  cuncla  et  ludicra,  cuncla  nihil. 


Br.  5. 

PECTORE  qui  duro,  crudos  de  vite  racemos 

Ventiiri  exfecuit,  vafcula  prima  meri, 
Labraque  conftri«^us,  femefos,  jamque  terendos 

Sub  pedibus,  populo  prcTtereunte,  jacit. 
Supplicium  huic,  quoniam  crefcentia  gaudia  Isefit, 

Det  Bacchus,  dederat  quale,  Lycurge,  tibi, 
Hae  poterant  uva?  isto  convivia  cantu, 

Mulcere,  aut  pedtus  trifte  levare  malis. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  103 


Br.  8. 
FERT  humeris  claudum  valldis  per  complta  cscus. 
Hie  oculos  focio  commodat,  ille  pedes. 


Br.  10. 
QUI,  mutare  vias  aufus  terrasque  marifque, 

Trajecit  montes  nauta,  fretumque  pedes, 
Xerxi,  tercentam  Spart^e  Mars  obfdtit  acris 

Militibus ;  terris  fit  pelagoque  pudor  I 


Br.  II. 

SIT  tibi.  Calliope,  Parnaflum,  cura,  tenenti. 
Alter  ut  adiit  Homerus,  adefl  etenim  alter  Achilles. 


"  *^1rff 'ftl^?  P-"^'  T  ^"'  ™ 


Br.  18. 

AD  Mufa?  Venus  haec ;  Veneri  parete  puella?. 

In  vos  ne  miflus  Ipicula  tendat  amor. 
HsEC  Mufe  ad  Venerem  ;  fic  Marti,  diva,  minerls, 

Hue  uunquam  volitat  debilis  ille  puer. 


104  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Br.  19. 
PROSPER  A  fors  nee  te  ftrepitofo  turbine  tollat. 

Nee  menti  injieiat  fordida  cura  jagum  ; 
Nam  vita  inecrds  incerta  impellitur  auris, 

Omnefque  in  partes  tri£la,  retra(fla  fiuit ; 
Firma  manet  vircus ;  virtuti  innitere,  tutus 

Per  tiuclus  vitas  fic  tibi  curfus  erit. 


Br.  24, 


HORA  bonis  quali  nune  inflet  fuprema  fruaris, 
Plura  ut  vidurus  ficula,  parce  bonis  : 

Divitiis,  utrinque  cav^ens,  qui  tempoie  parcit, 
Tem^-.ore  dividis  utitur,  ille  fapit. 


.iM^ 

Br.  24. 

NUNQUAM  jugera  meflibus  onufta,  aut 
Qros  Gyges  c  jmulos  habebat  auri ; 
Quod  \it^  fads  eft,  peto,  Macrine, 
Mi,  nequid  iiimis,  eft  nimis  probatum. 


Er.  24, 
NON  opto  aut  precibus  pofco  ditcfcere,  paucis 
Sit  contenta  mlhi  vita  dolore  carens. 


Br.  24. 
RECTA  ad  pauperiem  tcndit,  cui  corpora  cordi  eft 
Multa  alere,  et  mukas  sdificare  domos. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  105 


Br.  24. 
TU  neque  dclce  putes  alienae  accumbere  menfa;, 

Ncc  probrofa  avidai  grata  fit  ofFa  gulae  ; 
Nee  fi(5lo  iietu,  ficlis  folvare  cachinnis, 

Arridens  domino,  colJacrj^manfque  tuo. 
Lcetior  haud  tecum,  tecum  neque  triftior  unquam, 

Sed  Milias  ridens,  atque  dolens  Mili^. 


Br.  26. 

NIL  non  mortale  eft  mortalibus ;  omne  quod  eft  hi 
Praetereunt,  aut  hos  praeterit  omne  bonum. 


Br.  26, 
DEMOCRITE,  invifas  homines  majore  cachinno. 

Plus  tibi  ridendum  fecula  noftra  dabunt. 
Heraclite,  fiuat  lacrymarum  crcbrior  imber ; 

Vita  hominum  nunc  plus  quod  mifereris  habet. 
Interca  dubito  ;  tecum  me  cauia  nee  ulla 

Ridere,  aut  tecum  me  lacrimare  jubet. 


Br.  26. 

ELIGE  iter  vitae  ut  poflis  ;  rixifque  dolifque 
Perftrcpit  omne  forum  ;  cura  molcfta  domi  eft. 

Rura  labor  laiiat  ;  mare  mille  pericula  terrent ; 
Vertc  (blum,  fient  caufa  timoris  opes ; 

Pau, 


io6  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Paupertas  mifera  eft  ;  multa^  cum  conjuge  lites 
Te*5la  ineunt ;  caelebs  omnia  fclus  ages. 

Proles  au(5la  gravat,  rapta  orbat,  cceca  juvents  eft 
Virtus,  canities  cauta  vigore  caret. 

Ergo  optent  homines,  aut  nunquam  in  luminis  eras 
Veniiie,  aut  visa  luce  repente  mori. 


ELTGE  iter  vitse  ut  ma\'is,  prudentia  laufque 

Permeat  omne  forum ;  vita  quieta  domi  eft. 
Rus  ornat  natura ;  levat  maris  afpera  Lucrum, 

Verte  folum,  donet  plena  cruniena  decus ; 
Pauperies  latitat,  cum  conjuge  gaudia  multa 

Teda  ineunt,  cselebs  impediere  minus ; 
Mulcet  amor  prolis,  fopor  eft  fme  prole  profundus ; 

PrjEcellit  juvenis  vi,  pietate  fenex. 
Nemo  optet  nunquam  veniiTe  in  luminis  oras, 

Aut  periiiTe  ;  fcatet  \dta  benigna  bonis. 


Br.  27. 
VITA  omnis  fcena  eft  ludufque,  aut  luderj  difce 
Seria  feponens,  aut  mala  dura  pati. 


Br.  27. 
QUiE  fme  morte  fuga  eft  vitae,  quam  turba  malorum 
Non  vitanda  gravem,  non  toleranda  facit  ? 

Dulcia 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  107 

Dulcia  dat  natura  quidem,  mare,  fidcra,  terras, 
Lunaque  quas  et  fol  itque  reditque  vias. 

Terror  ineft  aliis,  mcerorqac,  et  fiquid  liabebis 
Forte  boni,  ultrices  experiere  vices. 


Br.  27. 
TERRAM  adii  nudus,  de  terra  nudus  abibo 
Quid  labor  einciet  ?  non  nifi  nudus  ero. 


Br.  27. 


NATUS  eram  lacrymans,  lacrymans  e  luce  recedo ; 

Sunt  quibus  a  lacrymis  vix  vacat  uUa  dies. 
Tale  horainum  genus  eft,  infirmum,  trifte,  mifellum. 

Quod  mors  in  cineres  folvit,  et  abdit  humo. 


Br.  29, 
QUISQUIS  adit  leflos  elata  uxore  fecundos* 
Naufragus  iratas  ille  retentat  aquas. 


Br.  30, 
FJELIX  ante  alios  nullius  debitor  acris ; 
Kunc  fequitur  cselebs ;  tertius,  orbe,  venis. 

Nee 


io8  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Nee  male  res  cefTit,  fubito  fi  funere  fponfam 
Ditatus  magna  dote,  recondis  humo. 

His  fapiens  leftis,  Epicurum  qua^rcre  fiuHra 
Quales  fmt  monades,  qua  fit  inane,  finas. 


Br.  31. 

OPTARIT  quicunque  fenex  fibl  longius  asvum, 
Dignus  qui  multa  in  luftra  fenefcat,  erit. 

Cam  procul  eil,  optat,  cum  venit,  quifque  fene£lam, 
Incufat,  Temper  fpe  meliora  videt. 


Br.  46. 

OMNIS  vita  nimis  brevis  ell:  felicibus,  una 
Nox  miferis  longi  temporis  inllar  habet. 


Br.  55. 

GRATIA  ter  grata  eft  velox.  Cm  forte  nioretur. 


Gratia  vix  reftat  nomine  digna  fuo. 


Br.  ^6. 
SEU  prece  pofcatur,  feu  non,  da  Jupiter  omne, 
Magne,  bonum,   omne  malum,  et  pofcentibus  abnuc 


nobis. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A,  tG9 

Br.  60. 
ME,  cane  vita  to,  cams  exciplt  a!ter ;  eodem 

In  me  aniirio  telbs  gignit  et  unda  feras. 
Nee  mirum ;  refcat  lepori  confcendere  caelum, 

Sidereiis  tamcn  hie  territat,  eece,  canis  ! 


Br.  70. 
TELLURI,  arboribus  ver  frondens,  fidera  coelo 
Grxcix  et  urbs,  urbi  efl:  iila  propago,  decus. 


Br.  75. 
IMPIA  fa£la  patrans,  homines  fortafTe  latebis, 
Non  poteris,  meditans  prava,  latere  Decs. 


Br.  75. 
ANTIOPE  fatyram,  Danae  aurum,  Europa  juven- 
cum, 
Et  cycnum  fecit,  Leda  pctita  Jovem. 


Br.  92. 
^VI  fat  novi  quam  fim  brevis  ;  aflra  tuenti. 
Per  cartas  ftabili  lege  voluta  vices. 

Tan- 


tio  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Tangitur  baud  pedibus  tellus  :  conviva  Deoruirt 
Expleor  ambrofiis  exliilarorque  cibis. 


Br.  96. 
QUOD  nimium  eft  fit  ineptum,  hinc,  ut  dixere  pri- 
ores, 
Et  melli  nimio  fellis  amaror  ineil. 


Br.  IC3. 

PUPPE  gubernatrix  fedifli,  audacia,  prima 

Divitiis  acuens  afpera  corda  virum  ; 
Sola  rates  ftruis  infidas,  et  dalcis  amorem 

Lucri  ukifcendum  mox  nece  fola  doces. 
Aurea  fecla  hominum,  quorura  fpeftandus  ocellis 

E  longinquo  itidem  pontus  et  orcus  erat. 


Br.  126. 
DITESCIS,  credo,  quid  reftat  ?  quicquid  habebis 

In  tumulum  tecum,  mcrte  jubente,  trahes  ? 
Divitias  cumulas,  percuntes  negligis  horas, 

Increinenta  <evi  non  cumulare  potes. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  ,11 


Er.  126, 
MATER  adulantum,  prolefque  pecunia  curse, 
Teque  frui  timor  eft,  teque  carere  dolor. 


Br.  126. 
ME  miferum  fors  omnis  habet ;  florentibus  annis 

Pauper  cram,  nummis  diiiluit  area  fenis  ; 
Queis  uti  poteram  quondam  Fortuna  negavit. 

Quels  uti  nequeo,  nunc  mihi  praebet  opes. 


sxSSI^S^ 


Br.  127. 
MNEMOSYNE,  ut  Sappho  mellita  voce  canenteni;, 
Audilt,  irata  eft  ne  nova  Mufa  foret. 


Br.  152, 

CUM  tacet  indotftus,  fapientior  efle  videtur, 
Et  morbus  tegitur,  dum  premit  ora  pudor. 


Br.  155. 
NUNC  huic,  nunc  aliis  cedens,  cui  farra  Mcnippus- 

Credit,  Achxmenidae  nuper  agellus  eram. 
Quod  null!  prcprium  verfat  Fortuna,  putabat 

lUe  fuum  ftoiidus,  nunc  putat  ille  fuum. 


iia  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


Br.  156. 

NON  Fortuna  fibl  te  gratum  tollit  in  altum  ; 
At  docet,  exemplo,  vis  iibi  quanta,  tuo. 


Br.  162. 
HIC,  auram  ut  repent,  Liqueum   abjicit,   alter,  ut 


aiirum 


Non  reperit,  nedlit  quern  reperit,  laqueum. 


Br.  167. 
VIVE  tuo  ex  animo,  vario  rumore  loquetur 
De  te  plebs  audax,  bene,  et  ille  male. 


Br.  168. 
YITJE  rofa  brevis  eft,  properans  fi  carpere  nolis. 
Qiiaerenti  obveniet  mox  iine  flore  rubus. 


Br.  170. 
PULICiBUS  morfus,  reilinaa  lampade,  ftultus 
Exclamat ;  nunc  me  cernere  definitis. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  iij 

Br.  202. 
MENODOTUM  pinxit  DIodorus,  et  exit  imago, 
Prster  Menodotum,  nulliub  abfimilis. 


Br.  205. 
HAUD  lavit   Phido,    baud  t?etigit,  mLhi  fcbre  ca- 
len  ti 
In  mentem  ut  venit  nominis,  interii. 


Br.  210. 
NYCTICORAX  cantat  kthale,  Ted  ipfa  cane nri 
Demophilo  aufcultans  Nyfticorax  moritur. 


Br.  212. 

HERMEM  Deorum  nincium,  pennis  levem, 
C^o  rej^e  gaudent  Arcades,  furem  bouna, 
Hujus  paleftra;  qui  \'igil  cullos  ftctit. 
Clam  node  tollit  Aulas,  et  rideniS  ait ; 
Praiftat  magiftro  fepe  difcipulus  fuo. 


Br.  223. 
QUI  jacet  hie,  fervus  vixit,  nunc,  Ifcnine  cairas. 
Dario  magno  non  minus  ille  ppteH, 
Vol.  LXXII.  'i 


itV  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


Br.  227. 
FUNUS  Alexandri  mentitur  fama  ;  fidefque 
Si  Phoebo,'  viclor  nefcic  obire  diem. 


Br.  241. 
NAUTA,  quis  hoc  jnceat  ne  percontere  lepulchio, 
Eveniat  tantum  midor  unda  tibi ! 


Br.  256. 
CUR  opulentus  eges  ?  tua  cutidta  in  fcenore  ponis. 
Sic  aliis  dives,  tu  tibi  pauper  agis. 


■■I* 


Br.  262. 
QUI  pafcit  barbam  fi  crefcit  mente,  Platoni, 
Hirce,  parem  nitido  te  tua  barba  facit. 


Br.  266. 
CLARUS  Joannes,  reginse  affinis,  ab  alto 

Sanguine  Anaiiaiii  ;  cundla  fepulta  jacent  : 
Et  pius,  et  redi  cultor  :  non  ilia  jacere 

Dicam  ;  itat  virtus  non  fubigenfla  ncci. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  115' 


Br.  267, 
CUNCTIPARENS  tellus  falve,  levis  eflo  pufillo 
Lyfigeni,  fuerat  non  gravis  ille  tibi. 


Br.  285. 
NAUFRAGU3  hie  jaceo  ;  contra,  jacet  ecce  co- 
lonyis  ! 
Idem  orcus  terras,  Tic,  pelagoque  fubeli. 


Br.  301. 

QUID  falvcra  jabes  m5,  peflime  ?  Corrips  grefTjs ; 
Ell  niihi  quod  non  te  rideo,  plena  falus. 

EV  Terus  eft  Timon  fcrb  terris ;  janitor  orci> 
Cerbere,  te  mcrlii  ne,  petat  ille,    cave. 


Br.  307. 
VITAM  a  terdecimo  fcxtus  mihi  finiet  annus, 

A  lira  mathematicoi  fi  modo  vera  docent. 
SulTicit  hoc  votis ;   flos  h;c  pulcherimus  acvi  eft, 

£t  fenium  tripkx  Neiloris  urna  capit. 


ii6  JOHNSON'S    POEMS, 


Br.  322. 
ZOSTMA,  qua  folo  fiiit  ol'iin  corpora  ferva, 
Corpore  nunc  etiam  libera  faCla  fuit. 


Br.  326. 
EXIGUUM    en  !    Priami  monumentum  ;   haud  ille 
meretur 
Quale,  fed  hoitiles,  quale  dedere  manus. 


Br.  326^. 


HECTOR  dat  gladium  Ajaci,  dat  Balteum  et  Ajax, 
Hedlori,  et  exitio  munus  utriqae  fuit. 


Br.  344. 
UT  vis,  ponte  minax  ;  modo  tres  dlfceiTeris  ulnas, 
Jngemina  fiuilus,  ingeminaque  fonum. 


Br.  344. 
NAUFRAGUS  hicjaceo;  fidens  tamen  utere  velis, 
Tutuin  aiijs  xi\aor,  me  pereunt£>  fuit« 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A,  117 


•        Br.  398, 
HERACLITUS  ego  ;  indoifls  r,e  I^rdite  I'ngua; 

Subtile  ingenium  qusero,  capaxque  mei, 
Unus  homo  mihi  pro  fexcentis,  turba  popelli 

Pro  nullo,  clamo  nunc  tumulatus  idem. 


Br.  399. 
AMBRACIOTA,  va!e  lux  alma,  Cleombrotus  inlit, 

Et  faku  e  muro  ditis  opaca  petit  : 
Trilte  nihil  pailus,  animi  at  de  Ibrte  Platonis 

Scripta  iegens.  Tola  \ivere  mente  cupit. 


Br.  399. 
SER\TJ3.  Epifietus,  muti'ato  corpcre,  VL\i, 
Pauperieque  Irus,  coraque  {umma  Deum. 


Br.  445 
UNDE  h'c  Praxiteles  ?  nudam  vidiftls,  Adoni, 
Et  Pari,  et  Anchifa,  non  alius,  Venerem. 


13 


;rx8  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


Br.  451. 
SUFFLATO  accendis  quifquis  carbone  lucernain, 
Corde  meo  accendas ;  ardeo  totus  ego. 


Br.  486. 
JUPITER    hoc   templum,    ut,    fiquaiido    relkiqult 
Olympum, 
Atthide  non  alius  dcfit  Olympus,  habet. 


Br.  487. 
CIVIS  et  externus  grati ;  domus  hofpita  nefcit 
Q^xrere,  quis,  cujus,  quio  pater,  unde  venio. 


P    O    M     P     E    I    I. 

Br.  4S7. 
CUM  ingere  baud  pOiHt,  fraffHs  Victoria  pennis, 
Te  manet  imperii,  Roma,  perenne  decus. 


Br.  488. 
LATROXES  alibi  locapletum  quasrite  teCla, 
AiTidet  huic  cullos  ftrenugi  pauperies. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  II) 

FORTUN/E  malim  adverfas  tolerare  procellas, 
Quam  domini  ingeniis  ferre  fupercilium. 


EN,  Sexto,  Sexd  meditatur  imago,  filente. 
Orator  Itatua  eli,  llatuxqr.e  orator  imago. 


PULCHRA  eft  virginitas  intadla,  at  vha  periret, 

Omnes  Ij  vellent  virginitate  frui ; 
Neqaitiam  fugiens,  fervata  contrabe  lege 

Conjugiam,  ut  pro  te  des  hominem  patriae. 


FERT  humeris,  venerab'Ie  onus,  Cythereis  heros 
Per  Trcjae  fiammas,  denfaque  tela,  patrem. 

Clamat  et  Argivi?,  vetuli,  ne  tangite,  vita 
Exiguum  eil  Alarti,  fed  miiii  grande  lucrum. 


FORMA  animos  homlnum  cap't,  at,  fi  gratia  defit, 
Non  tenet ;  efca  natat  pulchra,  fed  hamus  abeft. 


COG  IT  AT  aut  loquitur  nil  vir,  nil  cogitat  uxor, 
Fclici  thalamo  non,  puto,  rixa  ihepit. 

1  + 


ftzo  J  O  HNS  ON^s    POEMS. 


BUCCINA  disjecit  Thebarum  moenia,  ftrnxit 
Qua;  lyra,  quam  fib'i  non  concinit  harmonia  ! 


MENTE  fenes  olim  juvenis,  FaufHne,  premcbas. 
Nunc  juvenum  terrcs  robore  corda  fenex. 

L^Evuni  at  utrumque  decus,  juvcni  quod  prsbuit  olim 
Turba  fenum,  juvenes  nunc  tribuere  Tcni. 


EXCEPTS  hofpitio  mufc,  tribuere  libellos 
Hcrodoto  hofpitii  praemia,  quaeque  fuum. 


STELLA    mea,    obfervans  Hellas,  Pii  me  jcthera 
faxint 
Multis  ut  te  oculis  fim  potis  afpicere. 


CLARA  Cherone^e  foboles,  Plutarche,  dicavit 
Hanc  ftatuam  ingenio,  Roma  benigna,  tuo. 

Das  bene  collatos,  quos  Roma  et  Gra^cia  ja<5lat. 
Ad  Divos  paribus  palTibus  ir.e  duces ; 

Sed  fimi'em,  Plutarcue,  tux  defc-ibere  vitam 
Non  poteras,  regio  non  tulit  ulla  parem. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  Ill 


DAT  tibi  Pythagoram  pi<flor ;  quod  ni  ipfe  tacere 
Pythagoras  maliet,  vocem  habcilTet  opus. 


PROLEM  Hippi  et  fua  qua  meliarem  fecula  nullum 
Videre,  Archidicen  hac  tumuia\dt  humus ; 

Quam,  regum  ibbokm,    nuptam,  matrein,  atc^ue   To- 
rorem 
Fecprunt  nulii  Tors  titujique  gravein. 


m^^SJSSib 


CECPvOFIDIS  gravis  hie  por.or,  Martique  dicatus. 
Quo  tua  fignantur  geila,  Philippe,  Inpis, 

Spreta  jacet  Marathon,  jacct  et  Salaminia  laurus. 
Omnia  cum  Macedum  gloria  et  arma  premunt. 

Sint  Demofth cnica  ut  jurata  cadavera  I'oce, 
Stabo  illio  qui  funt,  quique  fucre,  gravis. 


FLORIBU3  in  pratis,  legi  quos  ipfe,  coronam 
Contextam  variis,  doy  Rhodr.clea,  tibi  : 

Hie  anemone  humet,  confert  narciH'jj  odores 
Cum  viclis ;  fpirant  iilia  miila  rolls. 

His  redimita  comas,  mores  depone  luperbos, 
Ha:c  peritura  nitent ;  lu  ptrliura  nltes ! 


jix  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


MUREM  Afclepiades  fub  teclo  ut  vidit  avarus. 
Quid  tibi,  mus,  mecum,  dixit,  amice,  tibi. 

Mus  blaiidum  ridcns,  rclpondit,  pelle  timorem; 
Hie,  bone  vii-,  fcdem,  non  alimenta,  peto. 


S^PE  tuum  in  tumulum  lacrymarum  decidlt  imber 
Quern  fund  it  blando  jundcs  amore  dolor  ; 

Charus  enim  cunclis,  tanquim,  dum  vita  manebat, 
Culque  efTes  natus,  culque  loda'is,  eras. 

Heu  quam  dura  preces  fprevit,  quam  furda  querelas 
Parca,  juventatem  non  miferata  tuam  ! 


ART!  ignis  lucem  tribui,  tamqn  artis  et  ignis 
Nunc  ope,  fuppiidi  vi<it  imago  mei. 

Gratia  nulla  homlnum  mentes  tenet,  iila  Promethei 
Munera  munerlbas,  fi  retulere  fabri. 


ILL  A  triumphatrix  Graiiim  confaeta  procorum 
Ante  fuas  agmcn  Lais  habere  fores, 

Hoc  Veneri  Ipeculum  ;  nolo  me  cernere  qualis 
Sum  nunc,  nee  poflam  ceniere  qualis  cram. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  1^3 

CRETHIDA  fabcllas  dulces  garrire  peritam 

Profequitur  lacrymis  fi'.ia  mcEila  Sami  ; 
Elandam  lanifici  fcciam  fine  fine  loquacem, 

Quam  tenet  hie,  cundlas  qase  manet,  alta  qiiies. 


DICITE,  Caufidici,  gelido  nunc  marmore  magnj 
Mugitum  tuniulus  comprimit  Amphilocl. 


SI  forfan  tumulum  quo  conditur  Eumanis  aiiferi 
Nil  iucri  fades ;  oiTa  habec  et  cinerem. 


E  P  I  C  T  E  T  I. 

/^E,  rex  deorum,  tuque,  due,  neceHitas, 
Quo,  lege  veiira,  vita  me  feret  mca. 
Sequar  libentcr,  fm  reluilari  velim, 
Fiam  fcelckub,  nee  camcn  minus  fequar. 


E      T  H  E  O  C  R  I  T  O. 

T)  O  E  T  A,  lector,  h:c  quiefcit  Hipponax, 

Si  il?  iceleilas,  prpcter.,  procul,  inaraior 
At  te  bonurn  fi  nona,  et  bonis  natum, 
Tutuiu  hie  i'cdiie,  et  fi  pLcct,  L^>or  tutus. 


124  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


EUR.     MED.     193-205. 

^^  O  N  immerito  culpanda  venit 
•^  ^    P;  oavum  vxcoTs  inlipientia. 
Qui  convivia  iautafque  dapes 
Hilarare  fuis  jufTere  modis 
Cantum,  vitas  dulce  levamen. 
At  nemo  feras  iias  hominum, 
'   Domibus  claris  exitiales. 
Voce  aut  fidibus  p^llere  docuit 
Queis  tamen  aptam  ferre  medelam 
Utile  cundli.s  hoc  opus  elTet ; 
Namqus,  ubi  menfas  onerant  epulae, 
Qaorfam  dulcis  laxuria  loni  ? 
Sat  Isetltia,  fine  fubfidiis, 
Pe(5lora  molii  mulcet  dubiae 
Copia  ccenae. 


* 


*  The  above  is  a  Verfion  of  a  Lntin  Hp'gram  on  the  fanons 
Jnhii  Duke  oi  Marlborough  by  the  Abbe  Sjlvini,  M.hjch  is  ai  fol- 
lows : 

Haud  alio  vultu,  fremuit  Mars  acer  in  armls  : 
Haud  alio,  Cypriam  perculit  ore  Deara. 

The  Duke  was,  it  frems,  remarkably  hanifome  in  his  perfon,  to 
which  the  iscjnd  iine  has  refeience. 


P  O  E  M  A  T  A.  las 


SEPTEM    iETATES. 

T)  R I M  A  parit  terras  aetas,  ficcatque  fecunda, 
"^     Evocat  Abramum  dein  tenia  ;  quarta  reli:iquit 
.^gyptum  ;  templo  Solomonis  quinta  fiiperfit ; 
Cyrum  icxta  timet ;  la^tatar  feptiina  Chriilo. 


*   TT  I  S  TempelmaRni  numeris  dercripferis  orbem. 

-■■-■'   ^  Cum  fex  centuriis  Jud-^o  millia  feptem. 
Myrias  '^  ^gypto  celTit  bis  fepilma  pingui. 

*  To  the  above  Lines  (which  are  unfini/hrd,  and  can  t!)erefo:-e 
be  only  ofll:red  as  a  fragment),  in  the  Do<Stor's  manufcript,  are  pre-^ 
fixed  the  words,  **^  Geographia  Metrica."  As  we  are  re^rred,  ia 
the  linl  of  the  verfes,  to  TemLlema*,  for  halving  furnifhed  the  nu- 
merical com  utations  that  are  the  fubjeil  of  them,  his  work  hjs  beei> 
accordingly  confulted,  the  title  of  which  is,  **  A  new  Surrey  of  the 
Globe,"  and  which  proteflc;  to  give  an  accurate  menfuracion  of  all 
the  err;p;res,  kingdoms,  and  other  divifions  therenf,  in  the  fquarc 
miles  that  thry  refpe€ilvely  contu'n.  On  compar'fon  of  the  feverat 
numbers  in  thefe  verfes  w'th  thofe  fet  down  by  Teir.pleman,  it  ap- 
pears that  nearly  half  of  them  ar*  precifely  the  fame}  the  reft  are  nor 
^'te  io  exaftly  done.---  -  For  the  convenience  of  the  Reader  it  has 
been  thought  right  to  fubjoin  each  number,  ai  i:  ftands  in  Temple-^ 
man's  work,  to  that  in  Dr.  Johnfon's  verfes  which  refers  to  it. 

a  In  this  firft  article  that  is  ve.-f.fi^rd,  there  is  an  accurate  confor- 
mity in  Dr  Johnfon's  number  to  Ten:plernan's  j  who  fets  down  the' 
^uare  miles  of  Paleftine  at  7,60c. 

^  The  fquare  mIle3of  .^gypt  are,  in  Tenaplecian,  140,700. 

Myria? 


126  JOHNSON'S    POKMS. 

Myrias  adfcifcit  fibi  nonagefiina  feptem 
Jmperium  qua  Turca  c  ferox  exercet  iniquum. 

Undecies  binas  decadas  et  milii^  ieptem 
Sortitur  ^  Pelopis  lellus  quae  nomine  gaudet. 

Myriadas  decies  Icptem  numerare  jubebit 
Paftor  d  Arabs  :  decies  o£lo  libi  Perfa  ^  requirit. 

Myriades  fibi  pulcra  duas,  duo  milUa  pofcit 
Parthenope ''.     ^  Novies  vult  tellus  milie  SIcana. 
f  Papa  fuo  regit  imperio  ter  millia  quinqae. 
Cum  fsx  centuriis  numerat  fex  millia  Tuicus  s. 
Ceiituria  Ligures  ^  sugent  duo  miiiia  quarta. 
Centuriae  oclavam  decadem  addit  Lucca  *  fecunds;. 

Ut  dicas,  fpatiis  quam  iads  imperet  orbi 


c  The  whole  Turkifh  empire,  in  Tenjcleman,  is  computed  at 
960,037  fquare  miles, 

d  In  the  four  following  articles,  the  number?,  in  Templeman 
and  in  Johnf^n's  verfes,  are  aiilce. — We  find,  accordingly,  the 
Morea,  in  Templeman,  to  be  letdown  at  7,220  fquare  miles.— 
Arabia,  at  700,000.— Periia,  at  800,000. — and  Naples,  at 
22,000. 

e  Sicily,  in  Templeman,  Is  put  down  at  O3400. 

f  The  pope's  dominions,  at  i4,36S, 

£  Tufcany,  at  6,640. 

h  Genoa  in  Templeman,  as  "in  Johnfon  likewife,  is  fet  down  at 
2,400. 

>  Lucca,  at  286* 

Ruflia, 


P  O  E  M  A  r  A.  127 

^  Ruflla,  myriadas  ter  denas  adde  trecentis : 
*  Sardiniam  cum  fexcentis  fex  iTiiliia  complent. 

Cum  fexagenis,  dum  plura  reclufciit  a^ta^, 
Myriadas  tcr  mille  homini  dat  terra  ^  colendas. 

Vult  fibi  vicenas  milleiima  myrias  addi, 
Vicenis  quinas,  Afiam  ••  metata  ceiebrem. 

Se  quinquagenis  ocftingenteiimi  jungit 
Myrias,  ut  menti  pateat  tota  Africa  °  dodas, 

Myriadas  feptem  decies  Europa  p  ducentis 
Et  quadragenis  qucque  ter  tria  miilia  jangit. 

Myriadas  dcnas  dat,  quinque  et  mili-.a,  fcxque 
Centurias,  et  tres  decadas  Ej^. opa  Britannis  1, 

Ter  tria  myriadi  conjungit  miilia  quartan, 
Centurias  quarts  decades  quiiique  ^  Angiia  ne^lit 

Miilia  myriadi  Icptem  ftscunda  fccundae 
Et  quadragenis  decades  quinque  addit  J  erne*, 

k  The  RuiT:an  empire,  in  the  29th  plate  of  Templeman,  is  fet 
down  at  3»S03.,4S5  fnuare  mlies. 

1  Sardinia,  in  Templeman,  as  likewife  in  Johnfon,  6,600. 

01  The  habitabie  world,  in  Templeman,  is  computed,  in  fcjuare 
miles,  at  3c,666,Sc6. 

•  Afia,  ac  10,257,487. 
o  Africa,  a:  8,5o6,2cS. 
P  Europe,  312,749.349. 

9  The  Britiih  dominions,  at  105, &J4, 

f  England,  as  l.liewife  in  Johfilbns  expreilhw  of  the  number,  at 
49,450. 

*  Irelaad,  at  27;457. 

Quin- 


128  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

Quingentis  quadrageris  focialis  adauget 
Millia  Belga '  novem. 

Ter  fex  centurias  Hollandia  '  jadlat  opima 
Undeciinum  Camber  t  vult  feptem  millibus  addi. 


t  In  the  three  remain'nj  inftances,  which  make  the  whole  that 
Dr.  Johnfon  appears  to  have  rendered  into  Latin  verfe,  we  find  the 
numbers  exa£lly  agreeing  with  th</e  of  Templeinan  j  who  makes  the 
fqu  are  miles  of  the  United  Provinces,  9540 — of  the  pi uvince  of  Hol- 
land, i3oo— and  of  Wales,  7011, 


EPI- 


[       129      ] 


EPITAPHS. 


I.    AT      LICHFIELD. 

rl.      S.     E.. 

Michael     J  o  h  n  s  o  k, 

V I R  impavidus,  coni>ans,  animofus,  periculorum 
immemor,  laborum  patientilTimus ;  fiducia  chriiliana 
fords,  fervidufque,  pater-familias  apprime  llrenuus  ; 
bibliopola  admodum  peritus ;  mente  et  libris  et  nego- 
tiis  exculta  ;  animo  ita  firmo,  ut,  rebus  adverfis  diu 
confiidlatus,  nee  fibi  nee  fuis  defuerk  :  lingua  fic  tem- 
perata,  ut  ei  nihil  quod  aures,  vel  pias,  vel  cartas  lae- 
fifiet,  aut  dolor,  vel  volaptas  anquam  exprefferit. 

Natus  CuWelse,  in  agro  Derbienfi,  anno  MDCLVL 
obiit  MDCCXXXL 

Appofita  efl  Sara,  conjux, 

Antiqua  Fordorum  gente  oriunda  ;  quam  domi  fedu- 
Jam,  fcris  paucis  notam  ;  nulli  moleftam,  mentis  acu- 
mine  et  judicii  fubtilitatc  prEeceilentem ;  aliis  multum, 
VPi.  LXXil.  K.  fibi 


130  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 

fibi  parum  indulgentem  :  ^£ternitati  femper  attentam, 
omne  fere  virtutis  nomen  commendavit. 

Nata   Nortoniai   Regis,    in   agro   Vamcenfi,    anno 
MDCLXIX;  obiit  MDCCLIX. 

Cum  N  A  T  H  A  N  A  E  L  E  illorum  filio,  qui  natus 
MDCCXII,  cum  \'ires,  et  animi,  et  corporis  multa 
pollicerentur,  anno  MDCCXXXVlI,  vitam  brevcm 
pia  morte  finivit. 


2.     At     BROMLEY,     in     KENT. 

Hie  conduntur  reliquiae 

Elizabeths 

Antiqua  Jarvifiorum  gente, 

Peatlingae,  apud  Leicellrienfes,  orte ; 

Formofe,  cults,  ingeniofe,  piae ; 

Uxoris,  primis  nuptiis,  Henrici   Porter, 

Secundis,  Samuelis  Johnson; 

Qui  mukum  amatam,  diuque  defletam 

Hoc  lapide  contcxit. 

Obiit  Londini,  menfe  Mart. 

A.D.    MDCCLIII. 


3.  IN 


EPITAPHS.  131 


^.  IN    WATFORD     CHURCH. 


J 


I N  the  vault  below  are  depofited  the  remains  of 

Jane  Bell,  wife  of  John  Bell,  Efq. 

who,  in  the  fifty-third  year  of  her  age, 

furrounded  with  many  worldly  bleffings, 

heard,  with  fortitude  and  compofure  truly  great, 

the  horrible  malady,  which  had  for  fome  time  begun  to 

afflict  her, 

pronounced  incurable ; 

and  for  more  than  three  years, 

endured  with  patience  and  concealed  with  decency, 

the  daily  tortures  of  gradual  death  ; 

continued  to  divide  the  hours  not  allotted  to  devotion, 

between  the  cares  of  her  family,  and  the  converfe  of 

her  friends  ; 

rewarded  the  attendance  of  dutv, 

and  acknowledged  the  offices  of  affedlion  ; 

and  while  (he  endeavoured  to  alleviate  by  chearfulnefs, 

her  hu {band's  fuffe rings  and  forrows, 

increafed  ihem  by  her  gratitude  for  his  care, 

and  her  folicitude  for  his  quiet. 

To  the  memory  of  thefe  virtues, 

more  highly  honoured  as  more  famiharly  known, 

this  monument  is  erected  by 

John  Bell  *. 

*  She  died  In  the  month  of  OtTlobcr,   I771. 

K  2  A.  I N 


%3l  JOHNSON'S    POEMS. 


4.  IN    STREATHAM    CHURCH. 

Juxta  fepulta  ell 

Hester.  Maria  Salisbury, 

Thom^  Cotton  de  Combsi  mere, 

Baronetti,  Ceftrienfis,  Filia ; 

JoHANNis  Salisbury  Armigeri, 

Flintienfis,  uxor ; 

Forma  felix,  felix  ingenio. 

Omnibus  jucunda,  fuorum  amantiffima. 

Linguis,  Artibufque  ita  exculta 

Ut  loquenti  nunquam  deeflent 

Sermonis  nitor,  fententiarum  flofcun, 

Sapientise  gravitas,  leporum  gratia. 

Modum  ferv'andi  adeo  perita 

Ut  domeilica  inter  negotia  Uteris 

Obledlaretur, 

Et  literarum  inter  delicias  rem 

Familiarem  fedulo  curaret, 

Muitis  illi  multos  annos  precantibus 

Diri  carclnomatis  *  veneno  contabuit, 

Viribufque  vita;  paulatim  refolutis 

E  terns  meliora  fperans  emigravit. 

Nata  1707,  Nupta  1739,  Obiit  1773- 

*  Cancer* 


:.  IN 


EPITAPHS.  133 


IN    WESTMINSTER     ABBEY. 

Olivari    Goldsmith 
Poetse.  Phyfici.  Hifcorici. 
Qui  nullum  fere  fcribendi  genus 
Non  tetigit. 
Nullum  quod  tetigit  non  ornavit 
Sive  Rifus  efTent  movendi 
Sive  Lacrymae. 
AfFe£luum  potens  at  lenis  Dominator 
Ingenio  fublimis — Vividus  Verfatilis 

Oratione  grandis  nitidus  Venuflus 

Hoc  Monumentum  Memoriam  coluit 

Sodalium  Amor 

Amicorum   Fides 

Leftorum  Veneratio 

Natus  Hibernia  Forniae  Lonfordienfis 

In  Loco  cui  Nomen  Pallas 

Nov.  Xxix.     MDCCXXXI. 

Eblana;     Liferis     inftitutus 

Obiit  Londini 

April  iv.  MDCCLXXiv, 


Kj 


t     134     ] 


THE 


CONTENTS. 


LPage 

O  N  D  O  N  :  a  Poem,         .         -         -  3 

The  Vanity  of  Human  Wiihes,                 r  1 7 
Prologue  fpoken  by  Mr.  Garrick,  at  the  Opening 

of  the  Theatre  Royal,  Drury-Lane,  1747,  31 
Prologue  Spoken  by  Mr.  Garrick,  before  the 
Mafque  of  Comus,  Adl:ed  at  Drury-Lane  Thea- 
tre, for  the  Benefit  of  Milton's  Grand-daughter,  33 
Prologue  to  the  Comedy  of  The  Good-natur'd  Man,  35 
Prologue  to  the  Comedy  of  A  Word  to  the  Wife,  36 
Spring,  an  Ode,  -  -  38 
Midfummer,  an  Ode,  r  -  39 
Autumn,  an  Ode,  r  r  41 
Winter,  an  Ode,  -  r  -  43 
The  Winter's  Walk,  -  -  44 
To  Mifs  *****,  on  her  gi^^ng  the  Author  a  Gold 

and  Silk  Net-work  Purfe  of  her  own  weaving,  45 
To  Mifs  *****,  on  her  playing  upon  the  Harpfi- 
chord  in  a  Room  hung  with  Flower-pieces  of 

Jjer  own  Painting,                r                -  4^ 


CONTENTS.  J35 


V2.0Q 


Evening :  an  Ode,  to  Stella,             _             _  47 

To  the  Same,                 -                 -             -  48 

To  a  Friend,              -                  -                  -  49 

Stella  in  Mourning,              -                    -  50 

To  Stella,  -  -  -  51 
Verles,  Written  at  tlie  Requell  of  a  Gendeman  to 

whom  a  Lady  had  given  a  Sprig  of  Myrtle,  5  2 

To  Lady  Firebrace,  ai  Bury  Ainzes,  -  53 
To  Lyce,  an  elderly  Lady,  -  "53 
On  the  Death  of  Mr.  Robert  Lcvet,  a  Pradlifer 

in  Phyfic,  •  -  -  54 
Epitaph  on  Claude  Phillips,  an  Itinerant  Muflcian,    56 

F.pitaphium  in  Thomam  Hanmer,  Biu-o'iettuiri,  57 

Paraphrafe  of  the  above  Epitaph,                  -  59 

To  Mifs  Hickman,  Playing  on  the  Spinnet,  6 1 
Paraphrafe  of  Proverbs,  Chap.  VL  ver.  6,  7,  8, 

2,  10,  1 1.                  -                  -                  -  62 

Horrxe,  Lib.  IV.  Ode  Vil.  Tranflated,           -  62 

On  feeing  a  BuH  of  Mrs.  Montague,            ^  64 

Anacreon,  Ode  JX,  -  -  64 
J_ines  written  in  ridicule  of  certain  Poerns  pabllfh- 

ed  in  1777,  -  -  -  66 
Parody  of  a  Tranilation  from  the  Medea  of  Euri- 
pides, -  ~  -  66 
Burlefque  of  the  modern  Verfifications  of  ancient 

Legendary  Tales.  An  Impromptu,  -  67 
TranHation  of  the  Two  Firft  Stanzas  of  the  Sons; 

*  Rio  verde,  Rio  vcrde,'  printed  in  Biihop  Per- 

K  4  cy'i 


136  CONTENT  S. 

Page 
cy*s  Rd'ques  of  ancient  Englifh  Poetry.     An 
Impromptu,  -  -  -  68 

Imitation  of  the  Syle  of  ****,  -  68 

Burlefque  of  the  Lines  of  Lopez  de  Vega.  An 
Impromptu,  -  _  _  69 

Tranflation  of  the  Lines  at  the  End  of  Baretti's 
Eafy  Phrafeology.     An  Impromptu,  69 

Improvifo  Tranflation  of  a  Diilich  on  the  Duke  of 
jVIodena's  running  away  from  the  Comet  in 
1742  or  1743,  -  -  -  70 

Improvifo  Tranflation  of  the  Lines  of  Monf.  Ben- 
ferade  a  fon  lit,  -  -  70 

Epitaph  for  Mr.  Hogarth,  -  _  70 

Tranfladon  of  Lines  written  under  a  Piint  repre- 
fenting  Perfons  fkairing,  -  -  7 1 

Impromptu  Tranflation  of  the  fame,  -.  71 

To  Mrs.  Thrale,  on  her  completing  her  Thirty- 
fifth  Year,  An  Im.promptJ,  -  -  71 

Impromptu  on  hearing  Mifs  Thrale  confulting 
with  a  Friend  about  a  Gown  and  Hat  (he  was 
inclined  to  wear,  -  -  7^, 

Impromptu  Tranflition  of  an  air  in  the  Clemenza 
de  Tito  of  Metailatio,  beginning,  '  Deh  fe  pia- 
cermi  vuoi.'  -  _  _  7^ 

Tranflation  of  a  Speech  of  Aquileio,  in  the  Adri- 
ano  of  Metrvftafio,  beginning,  *  Tu  che  in  Corte 
invechiafli.*  -  -  ^  73 

POE- 


CONTENTS.  nr 

Page 

POEMATA.             -            .  .                 75 

EPITAPHS.              -              -  •             129 

—  1.  At  Lichfield,  -  -  129 
—2.  At  Bromley,  in  Kent,         -  -            130 

—  3.  In  Watford  Church,  >  -  131 
—4.  In  Streatham  Church,  -  -  132 
^^5.  In  Wellminfler  Abbey,              «  ••         13  j 


THE 


POEMS 


O   P 


WILLIAM    WHITEHEAD,    Esq. 


[     «4i     ] 


WHITEHEAD 's 


POEM 


THE 

DANGER     OF     Writing     VERSE. 

An    epistle.     1741. 

•'  Qnx  poterant  unqaam  fatis  expurgare  Cicutae, 

"  Ni  melius  dormire  putem,  quam  fcribere  verlus  ?" 

HOR, 

'\7'  O  U  afk  me,  fir,  why  thus  by  phantoms  aw'd, 

-*•      No  kind  occafion  tempts  the  Mufe  abroad  ? 
Why,  when  retirement  Tooths  this  idle  art. 
To  fame  regardkfs  fieeps  the  youthful  heart  ? 

'Twould  wrong  your  judgment,  fhould  I  fairly  fay 
Diftruft  or  weaknels  caus'd  the  cold  delay : 
Hint  the  fmall  difF'rence,  'till  we  touch  the  lyre, 
'Tvvixt  real  genius  and  too  iirong  defire  ; 
The  human  flips,  or  feeming  flips  pretend. 
Which  roufe  the  cricick,  but  efcape  the  friend  ; 
Nay  which,  though  dreadful  when  the  foe  purfues,^ 
You  pafs,  and  fraile,  and  lUll  provoke  the  Mufe. 

Yet, 


14*         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Yet,  fpite  of  all  you  think,  or  kindly  feign. 
My  hand  will  tremble  while  it  grafps  the  pen. 
For  not  in  this,  like  other  arts,  we  try 
Our  light  excurfions  in  a  fummer  iky. 
No  cafual  flights  the  dangerous  trade  admits ; 
But  wits  once  authors,  are  for  ever  wits. 
The  fool  in  profe,  like  earth^s  unwieldy  Ton, 
May  oft  rife  vig'rous,  though  he's  oft  o'erthrown  i 
One  dangerous  crifis  marks  our  rife  or  fall  j 
By  all  we're  courted,  or  we're  fhun'd  by  all. 

Will  it  avail,  that,  unmatur'd  by  years, 
My  eafy  numbers  pleas'd  your  partial  ears. 
If  now  condem'd,  ev'n  where  he's  valu'd  mail. 
The  man  mull  fuiter  if  the  poet's  loft  ; 
For  wanting  wit,  be  totally  undone. 
And  barr'd  all  arts  for  having  fail'd  in  one. 
When  fears  like  thcfe  his  ferious  thoughts  engage. 
No  bugbear  phantom  curbs  the  poet's  rage. 
'Tis  powerful  reafcn  holds  the  ftreightcn'd  rein. 
While  flutt'ring  fancy  to  the  dilbnt  plain 
Sends  a  long  look,  and  fpreads  her  wings 

But  grant  for  once,  th'  officious  Mufe  has  fhed 
Ker  gentleft  influence  on  his  infant  head, 
Let  fears  lie  vanquifli'd,  and  refounding  Fame 
Give  to  the  bellowing  blaft  the  poet's  name. 
And  fee  I   diftinguifli'd  from  the  crowd  he  moves. 
Each  finger  marks  him,  and  each  eye  approves  I 
Secure,  as  halcyons  brooding  o'er  the  deep, 
The  waves  roll  gently,  and  the  thunders  flccp, 

Cbfe- 


rein,  -j 

in  vain.      J 


The  danger  of  Writing  VERSE.        143 

Obfequious  Nature  binds  the  tempeft's  wings. 
And  pleas'd  Attention  liftens  while  he  fings  ! 

O  blifsful  Hate,  O  more  than  human  joy  ! 
What  fhafts  can  reach  him,  or  what  cares  annoy  ? 
What  cares,  my  friend  ?  why  all  that  man  can  know, 
Opprefs'd  with  real  or  with  fancy'd  woe. 
Rude  to  the  world,  like  earth's  firll  lord  expell'd. 
To  climes  unknown,  from  Eden's  fafer  field; 
No  more  eternal  fprings  around  him  breathe. 
Black  air  fcowls  o'er  him,  deadly  damps  beneath  ; 
Now  muft  he  learn,  mifguidcd  youth,  to  bear 
Each  varying  feafon  of  the  poet's  year  : 
Flatt'ry's  full  beam.  Detraction's  wintry  llore. 
The  frowns  of  Fortune,  or  the  pride  of  Pow'r. 
His  a6ls,  his  words,  his  thoughts  no  more  his  own. 
Each  folly  blazon'd,  and  each  frailty  known. 
Is  he  referv'd  ? — his  fenfe  is  fo  refin'd. 
It  ne'er  defcends  to  trifle  with  mankind. 
Open  and  free  ?  —  they  find  the  fecret  caule 
Is  vanity ;  He  courts  the  world's  applaufe. 
Nay,  though  he  fpeak  not,  fomething  IHll  is  feen. 
Each  change  of  face  betrays  a  fault  within. 
If  grave,  'tis  fpleen ;  he  fmiles  but  to  deride  ; 
And  downright  aukwardnefs  in  him  is  pride. 
Thus  muft  he  fteer  through  fame's  uncertain  fcas. 
Now  funk  by  cenfure,  and  now  puiF'd  by  praife  ; 
Contempt  with  envy  ftrangely  mix'd  endure, 
Fear'd  where  ca-ef^'d,  and  jealous  though  fecure. 

One  fatal  rock  on  which  good  authors  fpiit 
li  thinking  all  mankind  mull  like  their  wit  j 

And 


14+  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  the  grand  bufmefs  of  the  world  ftand  Hill 
To  Men  to  the  didates  of  tlieir  quill. 
Hurt  if  they  fail,  and  yet  how  few  fucceed  ! 
What's  born  in  leimre  men  of  leifure  read  ; 
And  half  of  thofe  have  fome  peculiar  whim 
Their  tell  of  fenfe,  and  read  but  to  condemn. 

Befides,  on  parties  now  our  fame  depends. 
And  frowns  or  fmiles,  as  thefe  are  foes  or  friends. 
Wit,  judgment,  nature  join  ;  you  ftrive  in  vain  j 
'Tis  keen  invcdive  liamps  the  current  flrain. 
Fix'd  to  one  fjde  like  Homer's  gods,  we  fight, 
Thefe  always  wron^,  and  thofe  for  ever  right. 
And  would  you  chufe  to  fee  your  friend,  refign'il 
Each  confcious  tie  which  guides  the  virtuous  mind, 
Embroil'd  in  facflions,  hurl  with  dreaded  ikill 
The  random  vengeance  of  his  defp'rate  quill  ? 
'Gainft  pride  in  man  with  equal  pride  declaim. 
And  hide  ill-nature  under  virtue's  name  ? 
Or,  deeply  vers'd  in  flattery's  wily  ways. 
Flow  in  full  reams  of  undiftinguifli'd  praife  f 
To  Vice's  grave,  or  Folly's  bull  bequeath 
The  blulliing  trophy,  and  indignant  wreath  f 
*  Like  ^Egypt's  priells,  bid  endlefs  temples  rife* 
And  people  with  earth's  pells  th'  offended  ikies  ? 

The  Mufe  of  old  her  native  freedom  knew. 
And  wild  in  air  the  fportive  wand'ier  flewj 


Qui  nefcit  qualla  demens 


^gypcus  portenu  coUt  ?  crocodilon  aJorat— 

jo  V.  Sat.  XV. 


On 


The  danger  op  Writing  VERSE.        145 

On  worth  alone  her  bays  eternal  ftrow'd. 

And  found  the  hero,  ere  fhe  hymn'd  the  god. 

Nor  lefs  the  chief  his  kind  fupport  return'd. 

No  drooping  Mufe  her  flighted  labours  moum'd ; 

But  rtretch'd  at  eafe  fhe  prun'd  her  growing  wings. 

By  fages  honour'd,  and  rever'd  by  kings. 

Ev'n  knowing  Greece  confefs'd  her  early  claim. 

And  warlike  Latium  caught  the  gen'rous  flame. 

Not  fo  our  age  regards  the  tuneful  tongue, 

'Tis  fenfelefs  rapture  all,  and  empty  fong  : 

No  Pollio  flieds  his  genial  influence  round. 

No  Varus  liHens  while  the  groves  rcfound. 

Ev'n  thofe^  the  knowing  and  the  virtuous  few. 

Who  noblefl:  ends  by  nobleft  means  purfue. 

Forget  the  poet's  ufe  ;  the  powerful  fpell 

Of  magic  verfe,  which  *  Sidney  paints  fo  well. 

Forget  that  Homer  wak'd  the  Grecian  flame. 

That  Pindar  rous'd  inglorious  Thebes  to  fame. 

That  every  age  has  great  examples  given 

Of  virtue  taught  in  verfe,  and  verfe  infpir'd  by  heaven. 

But  I  forbear — thefe  dreams  no  longer  laft. 
The  times  of  fable  and  of  flights  are  pafl:. 
To  glory  now  no  laurel'd  fuppliants  bend. 
No  coins  are  ftruck,  no  facred  domes  afcend. 
Yet  ye,  who  flill  the  Mufe's  charms  admire. 
And  befl:  deferve  the  verfe  your  deeds  infpire, 
Ev'n  in  thefe  gainful  unambitious  days. 
Feel  for  yourfelves  at  leafl:,  ye  fond  of  praife, 

*  Defence  of  Poefie.     By  Sir  Philip  Sidney. 

Vol.  LXXII.  L  And 


14.6  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  learn  one  leffon  taught  in  mylHc  rhyme, 
"  'Tii  verfe  alone  arrefts  the  wings  of  Time." 
*  Fall  to  the  thread  of  life,  annex'd  by  Fame, 
A  fculptur'd  medal  bears  each  human  name. 
O'er  Lethe's  llreams  the  fatal  threads  depend. 
The  glitc'ring  medal  trembles  as  they  bend ; 
Clofe  but  the  fhears,  \\  hen  chance  or  nature  calls. 
The  birds  of  rumour  catch  it  as  it  falls ; 
Awhile  from  bill  to  bill  the  trifle's  toil. 
The  waves  receive  it,  and  'tis  ever  loll ! 

But  ihould  the  meanell  fwan  that  cuts  the  flream 
Coniign'd  to  Phoebus,  catch  the  favour'd  name. 
Safe  in  her  mouth  (he  bears  the  facred  prize 
To  where  bright  Fame's  eternal  altars  rife. 
'Tis  there  the  Mufe's  friends  true  laurels  wear. 
There  great  AuguHus  reigns,  and  triumphs  there. 

Patrons  of  arts  mull  live  'till  arts  decay. 
Sacred  to  verfe  in  every  poet's  lay. 
Thus  grateful  France  does  Richlieu's  worth  proclaim. 
Thus  grateful  Britain  doats  on  Sommer's  name. 
And,  fpite  of  party  rage  and  human  flaws. 
And  Britifh  liberty  and  Britifli  laws. 
Times  yet  to  come  fhall  fmg  of  Anna's  reign. 
And  bards,  who  blame  the  meafures,  love  the  men. 

But  why  round  patrons  climb  th'  ambitious  bays  ? 
Is  interell  then  the  fordid  fpur  to  praife  ? 
-f  Shall  the  famecaufe,  which  prompts  the  chatt'ring  jay 
To  aim  at  words,  infpire  the  poet's  lay  ? 

*  Bacon  de  Augment.  Scientiarum. 
-   -f  Peifius. 

And 


The  danger  of  Writing  VERSE.       147 

And  is  there  nothing  in  the  boafted  claim 
Of  living  labours  and  a  deathleis  name  ? 
The  piiftur'd  front,  with  facred  fillets  bound  ? 
The  fculptur'd  bull  with  laurels  wreath'd  around  ? 
The  annual  rofes  fcatter'd  o'er  his  urn. 
And  tears  to  flow  from  poets  yet  unborn  ? 

lUuftrious  all  !  but  fure  to  merit  thefe. 
Demands  at  leaft  the  poet's  learned  eafe. 
Say,  can  the  bard  attempt  what's  truly  great. 
Who  pants  in  fecret  for  his  future  fate  ? 
Him  ferious  toils,  and  humbler  arts  engage. 
To  make  youth  eafy,  and  provide  for  age ; 
While  loft  in  filence  hangs  his  ufelefs  lyre. 
And,  though  from  heav'n  it  came,  faft  dies  the  facred  fir«. 
Or  grant  true  genius  with  fuperior  force 
Burfts  every  bond,  refiftlefs  in  its  courfe  ; 
Yet  lives  the  man,  how  wild  foe'er  his  aim. 
Would  madly  barter  fortune's  fmiles  for  fame  ! 
Or  diltant  hopes  of  future  eafe  forego. 
For  all  the  wreaths  that  all  the  Nine  beftow  ? 
Well  pleas'd  to  fhine,  through  each  recording  page. 
The  haplefs  Dryden  of  a  Ihamelefs  age  ? 

Ill-fated  bard  !   where-e'er  thy  name  appears. 
The  weeping  verfe  a  fad  memento  bears. 
Ah  !   what  avail'd  th'  enormous  blaze  between 
Thy  dawn  of  glory,  and  thy  doling  fcene  I 
When  fmking  nature  allcs  our  kind  repairs, 
Unftrung  the  nerves,  and  filver'd  o'er  the  hairs ; 
V/hen  ftay'd  reflec^lion  comes  uncall'd  at  lalt. 
And  grey  experience  counts  each  folly  palt, 

L  2  Uft- 


148         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Untun'd  and  harfh  the  fweetefl  ftrains  appear. 
And  loudefr  Paeans  but  fatigue  the  ear. 

'Tis  true  the  man  of  verfe,  though  born  to  ills. 
Too  oft  deferves  the  very  fate  he  feels. 
When,  vainly  frequent  at  the  great  man's  board. 
He  Ihares  in  every  vice  with  every  lord  : 
Makes  to  their  tafte  his  fober  fenfe  fubmit. 
And  'gainfl  his  reafon  madly  arms  his  wit ; 
Heav'n  but  in  jullice  turns  their  ferious  heart 
To  fcorn  the  wretch,  whofe  life  belies  his  art. 

He,  only  he,  fhould  haunt  the  Mufe's  grove. 
Whom  youth  might  rev'rence  and  grey  hairs  approve ; 
Whofe  heav'n -taught  numbers,  now,  in  thunder  roU'd, 
Might  roufe  the  virtuous  and  appal  the  bold. 
Now,  to  truth's  dictates  lend  the  grac-e  of  eafe. 
And  teach  inftrudlion  happier  arts  to  pleafe. 
For  him  would  Plato  change  their  gen'ral  fate. 
And  own  one  poet  might  improve  his  ftate. 

Curs'd  be  their  verfe,  and  blafted  all  their  bays, 
Whofe  fenfual  lure  th'  unconfcious  ear  betrays  ; 
Wounds  the  young  breafi:,  ere  virtue  fpreads  her  Ihield, 
And  takes,  not  wins,  the  fcarce  difputed  field. 
Though  fpecious  rhet'ric  each  loofe  thought  refine. 
Though  mufic  charm  in  every  labour 'd  line. 
The  dangerous  verfe,  to  full  perfedion  grown, 
Bavius  might  blulh,  and  Quarles  difdain  to  own. 

Should  feme  Machaon,  whofe  fagacious  foul 
Trac'd  bluHiing  nature  to  her  inmoll  goal, 
Skill'd  in  each  drug  the  varying  world  provides. 
Ail  earth  embofonio,  and  all  ocean  hides. 

Nor 


The  danger  of  Writing  VERSE.        14, 

Nor  cooling  herb,  nor  healing  balm  fupply, 

Eafe  the  fvvoln  breaft,  or  clofe  the  languid  eye  ; 

But,  exquifitely  ill,  awake  difeafe. 

And  arm  with  poifons  every  baleful  breeze  : 

What  racks,  what  tortures  mull  his  crimes  demand. 

The  more  than  Borgia  of  a  bleeding  land  ! 

And  is  lefs  guilty  he,  whofe  fhamelefs  page 

Not  to  the  prefent  bounds  its  fubtile  rage. 

But  fpreads  contagion  wide,  and  ftains  a  future  age  ? 

Forgive  me.  Sir,  that  thus  the  moral  ftrain. 
With  indignation  warm'd,  rejects  the  rein; 
Nor  think  I  rove  regardlefs  of  my  theme, 
'Tis  hence  new  dangers  clog  the  paths  to  fame. 
Not  to  themfelves  alone  fuch  bards  confine 
Fame's  juil  reproach  for  virtue's  injur'd  fhrine  ; 
Profan'd  by  them,  the  Mufe's  laurels  fade. 
Her  voice  nedeched,  and  her  flame  decay'd. 
And  the  fon's  fon  mull  feel  the  father's  crime, 
A  curfe  entail'd  on  all  the  race  that  rhyme. 

New  cares  appear,  new  terrors  fwell  the  train. 
And  muft  we  paint  them  ere  we  clcfe  the  fcene  ? 
Say,  muft  the  Mufe  th'  unwilHng  tafk  purfue. 
And,  to  complete  her  dangers,  mention  you  ? 
Yes  you,  my  friend,  ev'n  you  whofe  kind  regard 
With  partial  fondnefs  views  this  humble  bard  : 
Ev'n  you  he  dreads. — Ah  !  kindly  ceafe  to  raife 
Unwilling  cenfure,  by  exafting  praife. 
Juft  to  itfelf  the  jealous  world  will  claim 
A  right  to  judge  ;  to  give,  or  cancel  fame. 
And,  if  th'  officious  zeal  unbounded  flows. 
The  friend  too  partial  is  the  worfl  of  foes. 

L  3  B€- 


150         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

*  Behold  th'  Athenian  fage,  whofe  piercing  mind 
Had  trac'd  the  wily  lab'rinths  of  mankind. 
When  now  condemn'd,  he  leaves  his  infant  care 
To  all  thofe  evils  man  is  born  to  bear. 
Not  to  his  friends  alone  the  charge  he  yields. 
But  nobler  hopes  on  jufter  motives  builds ; 
Bids  ev'n  his  foes  their  future  fteps  attend. 
And  dare  to  cenfure,  if  they  dar'd  offend. 
Would  thus  the  poet  truft  his  offspring  forth. 
Or  bloom'd  our  Britain  with  Athenian  worth  : 
Would  the  brave  foe  the  imperfect  work  engage 
With  honell  freedom,  not  with  partial  rage. 
What  jufl  productions  might  the  world  furprife  ! 
What  other  Popes,  what  other  Maros  rife  ! 

But  fmce  by  foes  or  friends  alike  deceiv'd. 
Too  little  thofe,  and  thefe  too  much  believ'd ; 
Since  the  fame  fate  purfues  by  diff'rent  ways. 
Undone  by  cenfure,  or  undone  by  praife  ; 
Since  bards  themfelves  fubmit  to  vice's  rule. 
And  party-feuds  grow  high,  and  patrons  cool  : 
Since,  flill  unnam'd,  unnumber'd  ills  behind 
Rife  black  in  air,  and  only  wait  the  wind  : 
Let  me,  O  let  me,  ere  the  tempefl  roar. 
Catch  the  firft  gale,  and  make  the  neareil  fhore; 
In  facred  filence  join  th'  inglorious  train. 
Where  humble  peace  and  fweet  contentment  reign  ; 
If  not  thy  precepts,  thy  example  own, 
And  fteai  through  hfe  not  ufelefs,  though  unknown. 

*  Platonis  Apologia, 

ATYS 


[    151    3 


ATYS     AND     ADRASTUS. 

A    TALE.    J743. 

"  Infelix  !  Nati  funus  crudele  videbis. 

**  Hi  nollri  reditus,  expedlatique  triumphi ! 

"  Hsc  mea  magna  fides ! —  Virg. 

*#*  This  ftory  is  related  in  the  firil  book  of  HerodotUi^s 
Hiilory.  For  the  additions  made  to  it,  and  the 
manner  of  telling  it,  the  Author  of  the  following 
Poem  is  to  anfwer. 

T  N  ancient  times,  o'er  Lydia's  fertile  land 
■*'  The  warrior  Croefas  held  fupreme  command. 
Vaft  was  his  wealth,  for  conqueft  fwell'd  his  llore  ; 
Nor  what  enrich'd  the  prince,  had  left  the  people  poor. 

Two  fons  he  had,  alike  in  outward  mien. 
The  tender  pledges  of  a  dying  queen. 
But  fpeechlefs  one  ne'er  taught  his  fire  to  melt 
With  lifping  eloquence  by  parents  felt ; 
And  mimic  art  in  vain  expedients  fought 
To  form  the  tongue,  and  free  th'  imprifon'd  thought. 
Yet  blooming  Atys  well  that  lofs  fupply'd, 
Atys  the  people's  hope,  and  monarch's  pride. 

L  4.  Hi? 


JS*         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

His  beauteous  foul  thro'  every  feature  glovv'd  ; 
And  fi-om  his  lips  fuch  foft  perfuafion  flow'd. 
As  nature  had  withheld  the  brother's  fhare. 
Only  to  pour  a  double  portion  there. 

But  vain  thofe  graces,  fince  conceal'd  from  view 
They  droop  in  fhades,  and  wither  where  they  grew. 
For  one  dread  night,  when  o'er  the  weary  king 
The  drowfy  god  had  ilretch'd  his  leaden  wing. 
He  feem'd,  he  knew  not  where,  in  wars  engag'd. 
And,  while  around  the  doubtful  battle  rag'd. 
Saw  from  fome  hoftile  hand  unerring  part 
A  fatal  fpear,  which  pierc'd  his  Atys'  heart. 
He  liarts,  he  wakes— 'tis  night  and  filence  all  ! 
Yet,  fcarce  confirm'd,  he  ftill  beholds  him  fall ; 
Still  bleeds  in  fancy's  eye  the  gaping  wound. 
On  fancy's  ear  the  dying  groans  refcund. 
Again  he  fleeps ;  the  fame  fad  fcenes  return-^ 
Reftlefs  he  rolls,  and  waits  the  line'rinp-  morn. 

What  can  he  do,  or  how  prevent  a  doom. 
Which  heav'n  foretels,  and  fate  has  faid  fhall  come  ? 
**  And  yet  perhaps  the  gods  thefe  dreams  infpire, 
**  To  fave  the  guiltlefs  fon,  and  warn  the  fire, 
**  Too  fond  of  arms  I  wander'd  far  ailray, 
**  While  youth  and  blind  ambition  led  the  way. 
*'  And  ravag'd  countries  may  at  length  demand 
**  This  bleeding  facrifice  at  Croefus  hand. 
**  Then  hear  me,  gods,  propitious,  while  I  fwear, 
*^  i:*eace,  only  peace,  i^ivdiXL  be  my  future  care. 

*'  O  would 


ATYS    AND    ADRASTUS.  155 

"  O  would  your  powers  but  fave  my  darling  boy, 

**  No  more  this  breaft  (hall  glow,  this  arm  dsftroy  ! 

*'  Nor  ere  fhall  Atys  the  dire  fport  purfue, 

"  Still  in  my  court,  and  feldom  from  my  view, 

*'  In  eafe  inglorious  ihall  he  pafs  his  days, 

*'  Untaught  to  feel  th'  inlatiate  luft  of  praife.'* 

He  fpake,  and  cautious  far  away  remov'd 
From  Atys,  what  next  Atys  moft  he  lov'd. 
The  pomp  of  war  :  no  falchions  guard  the  gate. 
And  chiefs  unarm'd  around  his  palace  wait. 
Nay  farther  ftill  extends  a  parent's  fear, 
Ev'n  arms  themfelves  he  dreads,  and  moft  the  Ipear; 
Nor  leaves  of  ancient  war  the  weak  remains, 
But  ftrips  the  trophies  from  the  mouldering  fanes. 
Left,  fixt  too  loofdy,  from  the  faithlefs  Itone 
The  cafual  fteel  Ihould  drop,  and  pierce  his  fon. 
Thus  fome  fweet  warbler  of  the  fjather'd  throng 
Deep  in  the  thorny  brake  fecures  her  young  ; 
Yet,  vainly  anxious,  feels  a  fancied  woe. 
And  ilarts  at  every  breeze  that  iHrs  the  bough  ; 
With  filent  horror  hears  the  whifp'ring  groves. 
And  diilant  murmurs  of  the  fprin?  ihe  loves. 

Unhappy  fire  !  but  vainly  we  oppofe 
Weak  human  caution,   when  the  gods  are  foes ; 
The  (lory's  fequel  muft  too  farely  prove. 
That  dreams,  prophetic  dreams,  defccnd  from  Jove. 

Nor  vet  fhall  Atvs  thwart  thy  fond  defio-ns : 
He  moves  imphcit  as  his  lire  inclines. 

On 


,54         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

On  every  look  his  eager  duty  hung, 
And  read  his  wilhes,  ere  they  reach'd  his  tongue. 
With  fmiles  he  ftrips  his  helmet's  plumy  pride. 
With  fmiles  he  lays  his  ufelefs  fpear  afide  ; 
Nor  lets  one  figh  confefs  a  ktent  care, 
Refer\ing  all  his  griefs  for  his  Adraftus'  ear. 

Adraftus  early  did  his  foul  approve. 
Brave,  virtuous,  learn'd,  and  form'd  for  Atys*  love, 
A  Phrygian  youth,  whom  Fate  condemn'd  to  roam. 
An  exil'd  wand'rer  from  a  cruel  home. 
For,  yet  a  boy,  his  inadvertent  lance 
An  infant  brother  flew,  the  crime  of  chance. 
In  vain  he  wept ;  the  rigid  fire  demands 
His  inilant  abfence  from  his  native  lands. 
Or  threatens  inilant  death  ;  from  death  he  flew. 
And  loaded  with  a  father's  curfe  withdrew. 
Yet  nor  in  vain  the  gods  fuch  ills  difpenfe. 
If  foft-ey'd  Pity  takes  her  rife  from  hence. 
If  hence  we  learn  to  feel  another's  pain. 
And  from  our  own  misfortunes  grow  humane. 
This  young  Adraftus  found  j  and  hence  confefsM 
That  mild  benevolence,  which  warm'd  his  breaft. 
Hence  too  his  fortune  ftretch'd  a  bolder  wing. 
And  plac'd  her  wand'rer  near  the  Lydian  king. 
There  long  the  favour'd  youth  exalted  ihone. 
Dear  to  the  fire,  but  dearer  to  the  fon : 
J^or  pow'rful  fympathy  their  hearts  had  join'd 
Jn  ftronger  ties  than  gratitude  can  bind. 

With 


ATYS     AND    ADRASTUS.  155 

With  him  did  Atys  every  fport  purfue. 
Which  health  demands,  and  earlier  ages  knew. 
At  morn,  at  eve,  at  fultry  noon,  with  him 
He  rov'd  the  funny  lawn,  he  fwam  the  ftream  ; 
Befide  the  brook,  which  dimpling  glides  away. 
Caught  the  cool  breeze,  or  lur'd  the  finny  prey; 
Urg'd  the  light  car  along  th'  indented  mead. 
Or  hung  impetuous  o'er  th'  exulting  Heed, 
Beneath  whofe  hoof  unhurt  the  fiow'rets  rife. 
And  the  light  grafs  fcarce  trembles  as  he  flies. 
But  chief  he  lov'd  to  range  the  woods  among. 
And  hear  the  mufic  of  Adraitas'  ton^^ue 

o 

With  graceful  eafe  unlock  the  letter'd  llore. 
And  that  he  leara'd  from  him  end  ear 'd  the  knowledge 
more. 

Of  Thalcs'  wifdom  oft  the  converfe  ran. 
How  varying  Nature's  beauteous  frame  began. 
And  erft  to  diiferent  forms  the  waters  flow'd. 
As  o'er  the  Chaos  mov'd  the  breathing  God. 

Of  Solon  too  he  fpake,  and  laws  deflgn'd 
To  guard  fair  freedom,  not  enflave  mankind — » 
And  hinted  oft  what  mutual  duties  fpring 
'Twixt  willing  fubjefts  and  their  father  king  : 
How  clofe  connected  greatnefs  was  with  pain. 
What  earthly  blifs,  and  who  the  happy  man. 

Nor  lefs  the  while  his  youthful  breaft  he  warms 
With  pivtur'd  fights,  the  theory  of  arms ; 

Left 


Ts6         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Left  inbred  floth  fhould  taint  his  future  reign. 
And  virtue  wake;,  and  glory  tempt  in  vain. 
Thee,  Homer,  thee  v/ith  rapture  they  perufe. 
Expand  the  Ibul,  and  take  in  all  the  Mufe  ; 
Mix  with  thy  gods,  with  war's  whole  ardour  burn. 
Or  melt  in  filent  tears  o'er  Hedor's  urn. 
How  oft  tranfported  would  young  Atys  cry, 
•*  Thus  might  I  fight,  'twere  glorious  thus  to  die  ! 
"  But  why  to  me  are  ufelefs  precepts  giv'n, 
"  Tied  down  and  pinion'd  by  the  vvdll  of  heav'n  ? 
"  No  early  wreaths  my  coward  youth  muft  claim, 
*'  No  juft  ambition  warm  me  into  fame  ; 
'*  Hid  from  the  world  to  ruft  in  lloth,  and  buy 
'^  A  poor  precaiious  Hfe  with  infamy. 
*'  Happy,  thrice  happy,  on  each  hollile  ftrand 
**  The  youths  who  perifh'd  by  my  father's  hand  ! 
**  Their  honour  ftill  furvives,  and  o'er  their  tomb 
"  Their  country's  tears  defcend,  and  laurels  bloom. 
To  life  alone  the  conquering  fword's  confin'd — 
Would  you  indeed  diftrefs,  employ  a  love  too  kind." 


As  oft  Adraftus,  ftudious  to  controul 
With  reafon's  voice  the  tumult  of  the  foul, 
Wou'd  hint,  to  Vvhat  excefs  foever  wrought. 
Paternal  fondnefs  was  a  venial  fault. 
Perhaps,  as  lenient  time  ftole  gently  on. 
The  'ftorm  which  threaten'd  might  be  quite  o'erblown. 
And  fun-bright  honour  only  be  delay'd 
Awhile,  to  burft  more  glorious  from  the  fhade. 

"  Yet 


ATYS    AND    ADRASTUS.  157 

'*  Yet  think,"  he  cried,  "  whatever  they  appear, 

"  Few  are  the  caufes  can  excufe  a  war. 

**  To  raife  th'  oppreft,  to  curb  th'  infulting  proud, 

"  Or  fhould  your  injur'd  country  call  aloud, 

*'  Rufh,  rufh  to  arms,  'tis  glorious  then  to  dare, 

*'  Delay  is  cowardice,  and  doubt  delpair. 

*'  But  let  not  idler  views  your  breaft  enflame 

**  Of  boundlefs  kingdoms,  and  a  dreaded  name. 

*'  'Tis  yours  at  home  to  ftem  opprellion's  waves, 

*'  To  guard  your  fubjecls,  not  encreafe  your  flaves ; 

*'  On  this  juft  bafis  Fame's  firm  column  raife, 

*'  And  be  defert  in  arms  your  fecond  praife." 

'Twas  thus  in  converfe,  day  fucceeding  day. 
They  wore  unfelt  the  tedious  hours  away. 
And  years  on  years  in  downy  circles  ran 
Till  the  boy  rofe  infenfibly  to  man. 
What  now  fhall  Crcefus  find,  what  Syren  voice. 
To  make  retirement  the  refult  of  choice  ? 
No  father's  Hern  command  thefe  years  allow, 
A  chain  more  pleafing  mull  detain  him  now. 
In  rofy  fetters  fhall  the  youth  be  tied. 
And  JVIyfia's  captive  fair  the  chofen  bride. 

Hafle,  gentle  god,  whofe  chains  unite  the  globe. 
Known  by  the  blazing  torch,  and  faiFron  robe, , 
To  Lydia  hafte,  for  Atys  blames  your  flay. 
Nor  fair  Idalia's  blufhes  brook  delay ; 
O'er  glory's  blaze  your  foft  enchantments  breathe. 
And  hide  the  laurel  with  the  myrtle  wreath. 

And 


158         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  now  the  king  with  fecret  tranfport  found 
His  hopes  fucceed,  nor  fears  a  martial  wound. 
While  loft  in  love  the  happier  Atys  lies. 
The  willing  vidim  of  Idalia's  eyes. 
O  thoughtlefs  man  !  from  hence  thy  forrows  flow. 
The  fcheme  proje«5led  to  avert  the  blow 
But  makes  it  fure— for  fee,  from  Myfia's  land 
Round  lift'ning.Atys  crouds  a  fuppliant  band. 
Their  tears,  their  cries,  his  eafy  breaft  affail. 
Fond  to  redrefs  them  ere  he  hears  their  tale. 
*'  A  mighty  boar,  the  curfe  of  angry  heav'n, 
**  Had  from  their  homes  the  wretched  fLifPrers  driv'n. 
"  Wafte  were  their  viny  groves,   their  rifmg  grain, 
"  Their  herds,  their  flocks,  th'  attendant  Iheplierds  flain, 
*'  And  fcarce  themfelves  furvive. 
*'  O  would  but  Atys  lead  the  hunter  train, 
*'  Again  their  viny  groves,  their  waving  grain 
"  Might  rife  fecure,  their  herds,  their  flocks  encreafe, 
"  And  fair  Idalia's  country  rell  in  peace.'* 

The  youth  afl!ents,  th'  exulting  crouds  retire ; 
When  thus  impatient  fpeaks  the  trembling  fire  : 
**  What  means  my  fon  ?  preferv'd,  alas,  in  vain, 
'*  From  hollile  fquadrons,  and  the  tented  plain ; 
'*  You  rufli  on  death-— recal  your  rafti  defign, 
"  Mine  be  the  blame,  and  be  the  danger  mine ; 
"  Myfelf  will  lead  the  band."     The  youth  return'd. 
While  his  flulh'd  cheek  with  mild  refentment  burn'd  : 
'*  Will  Croefus  lead  the  band,  a  hunter  now, 
**  Skill'd  in  the  fight,  and  laurels  on  his  brow? 

"  Alas, 


ATYS    AND    ADRASTU8.  159 

'*  Alas,  fuch  mockeries  of  war  become 

**  The  loit'rer  Atys  fearful  of  his  doom. 

•'  To  him  at  leall  thefe  triumphs  be  refign'd, 

*'  That  not  entirely  ufelefs  to  mankind 

**  His  days  may  pafs ;  thele  triumphs  all  his  aim, 

**  Thefe  humble  triumphs  fcarce  allied  to  fame. 

*^  And  yet,  dread  Sir,  if  you  command  his  ftay, 

*'  (O  force  of  duty  I)  Atys  muft  obey. 

*'  Ala?,  on  you  whatever  blame  fliall  fall, 

*'  A  father's  fondnefs  can  excufe  it  all, 

♦*  But  me,  of  me,  if  ilill  your  power  withftands, 

"  What  muft  the  Lydian,  what  the  Myfian  bands> 

*'  What  mull  Idalia  think  ?"  Adrallus  here 

Soft  interpos'd.     **  Great  King,  difmifs  your  fear, 

"  Nor  longer  Atys'  firft  requell  oppofe ; 

"**  War  was  your  dream,  no  war  this  region  knows  : 

'*  For  humbler  prey  the  hunters  range  the  wood, 

**  Their  fpears  fly  innocent  of  human  blood. 

"  Had  in  the  fportive  chafe  fome  phantom  boar 

"  Dug  deep  the  wound,  and  drank  the  vital  gore, 

**  That  dreadful  viilon  had  excus'd  your  care, 

**  Nor  Atys  offer 'd  an  unheeded  prayer. 

**  I  love  the  prince,  and,  but  I  think  his  life 

**  Safe  as  my  own,  would  urge  him  from  the  flrife. 

"  Permit  him.  Sire — this  arm  fhall  guard  him  there  ; 

"  And  fafely  may  you  truft  Adraftus'  care, 

'*  For,   fhould  he  fall,  this  arm  would  furely  prove 

**  My  bofom  feels  a  more  than  father's  love." 

As,  when  impetuous  thro'  th'  autumnal  ficy 
Urg'd  by  the  winds  tli«  clouds  difparting  fly» 

0*er 


i6o         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

O'er  the  broad  wave,  or  wide  extended  mead. 

Shifts  the  quick  beam,  alternate  light  and  fhade  ; 

So  glanc'd  the  monarch's  mind  from  thought  to  thought. 

So  in  his  varying  face  the  pallions  wrought. 

Oft  on  his  fon  he  turn'd  a  doubtful  eye, 

Afraid  to  grant,  nor  willing  to  deny.  / 

Oft  rais'd  it,  tearful,  to  the  biell  abodes. 

And  fought  in  vain  the  unregarding  gods. 

Then  look'd  confent.     But  added,  with  a  grcan, 

**  From  thee,  Adraftus,  I  expect  my  fon.'* 

Why  fliould  I  tell,  impatient  for  the  fight, 
How  Atys  chid  the  Ung'ring  hours  of  night  ? 
Or  how  the  rofeat^  morn  with  early  ray 
Streak'd  the  glad  eaft,  and  gradual  fpread  the  day, 
When  forth  he  iffued  like  the  Lycian  god  ? 
Loofe  to  the  breeze  his  hov'ring  mantle  flow'd, 
Wav'd  the  light  plume  above,  behind  him  hung 
His  rat'ling  quiver,  and  his  bow  unftrung. 
He  mounts  his  fteed,  the  ileed  obey'd  the  rein, 
Arch'd  his  high  neck,  and  graceful  paw'd  the  plain. 
Ev'n  Croefus'  felf  forp-ot  a  while  his  fear 
Of  future  ills,  and  gaz'd  with  tranfport  there. 

Or  why  relate,  when  now  the  train  withdrew. 
How  fair  Idalia  figh'd  a  foft  adieu ; 
How  Croefus  foilow'd  with  his  voice  and  eyes. 
Fond  to  beheld,  but  fonder  to  advife. 
And  oft  repeated,  as  they  journey'd  on, 
**  From  thvie,  Adraftus,  I  exped  my  fon.'* 

SuiHce 


ATYS    AND    ADRASTUS.  i6x 

Suffice  it  us,  they  leave  the  waves  which  flow 
O'er  beds  of  gold,  and  Tmolus'  fragrant  brow, 
7"hey  pafs  Magnefia's  plains,  Caicus'  ftream 
The  Myfian  bound,  whic'ii  chang'd  its  ancient  name. 
And  reach  Olympus'  verge  : 
There  defolation  fpread  her  ghaftly  reign 
O^er  trampled  vines,  and  dillipated  grain. 
And  faw  with  joy  revolving  feafons  fmile 
To  fwell  her  pomp,  and  mock  the  lab'rers  toll. 
Led  by  her  baleful  fteps,  the  youth  explore 
The  dark  retreats,  and  roufe  the  foaming  boar. 
Hard  is  the  ilrife  :  hiG  horny  fides  repel 
Unting'd  the  plumy  fhaft,  and  blunted  fleel. 
The  dogs  lie  mangled  o'er  the  bleeding  plain. 
And  many  a  Heed,  and  many  a  youth  was  flain. 
When  now  his  well-aim'd  bow  Adrartus  d;ew, 
Twang'd  the  ftretch'd  ll;ring,  the  feather'd  vengeance 

flew. 
And  ras'd  the  monfler's  neck  :  he  roars,  he  flies. 
The  croud  purfues,  the  hills  refound  their  cries. 
Full  in  the  centre  of  a  vale,  embrown'd 
With  arching  fliades,  they  clofe  the  favage  round. 
He  wheels,  he  glares,  he  meditates  his  prey, 
Refolv'd  to  ftrike,  refolv'd  to  force  his  way  ; 
But  Atys  timely  flop'd  his  fierce  career. 
And  thro'  his  eye-ball  fent  the  whizzing  fpear. 
And  joyful  faw  him  reel ;  with  eager  fpeed 
He  bares  the  ifhining  blade,  he  quits  his  Heed  ; 
*'  —  Ah  ftop,  rafh  youth,  not  conqueft  you  purfue, 
**  Death  lies  in  ambulh  there,  the  vi(^im  you ; 

Vol.  LXXII.  M  *«  You 


35a         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

«*  You  rufh  on  fate" — in  vain — he  reach'd  the  bead. 
He  rais'd  his  arm,  and  now  had  pierc'd  his  breail:. 
When  in  that  moment  f,  om  the  adverfe  fide 
His  too  adventurous  prince  Adralius  fpied. 
And  launch 'd  with  nervous  halle  his  eager  ipear. 
Alarm 'd,  and  tremibling  for  a  life  fo  dear. 
Glanc'd  o'er  the  falling  beall  the  fated  wood. 
And  fix'd  in  Atys'  breaft  drank  deep  the  vital  flood. 
The  ftruggling  prince  impatient  of  the  wound 
Writh'd  on  the  fpear,  the  crouds  enclofe  him  round. 
Then  funk  in  death  unknowing  whence  it  came. 
Yet,  ev'n  in  death,  he  call'd  Adraftus'  name, 
**  Where  flies  Adrailns  from  his  dying  friend  ? 
^'  O  bear  me  near."     Poor  prince  !  thy  life  mufl  end 
Not  in  thy  murderer's  arms,  he  hears  thee  not  ; 
Like  fome  fad  wretch  fix'd  to  the  fatal  fpot 
Where  fell  the  bolt  of  Jove,  nor  ear,  nor  eye. 
Nor  arm  to  help,  nor  language  to  reply. 
Nor  thought  itfclf  is  his.     Oblig'd  to  move 
As  they  direct  his  fleed,  he  leaves  the  grove. 
As  they  dired  to  Sardis'  towers  again 
Jn  filence  follows  the  returning  train. 

There  too  we  turn,  for  there  the  penfive  fire 
Now  hopes,  now  fears,  and  pines  with  vain  defire. 
In  every  dull  before  the  wind  that  flies. 
In  every  diftant  cloud  which  ftains  the  ikies 
He  fees  his  fon  return :  till  oft  deceiv'd 
|\o  more  his  eye,  the  flattering  fccne  believ'd, 

ye 


ATVS    AND    AD-RASTUS.  163 

Vet  ftill  he  wander'd,  and  with  looks  intent. 
The  fatal  road  his  darling  Atys  went. 
There  to  averted  heav'n  he  tells  his  pain. 
And  flaup-hter'd  hecatombs  decrees  in  vain. 

O 

There  to  Idalia,  frequent  by  his  fide. 

Relates  his  fears,  or  fooths  the  weeping  bride 

With  tales  of  Atys'  worth,  and  points  the  place 

Where  late  he  parted  from  their  laft  embrace. 

And  now,  perchance,  in  tears  thev  linger'd  there. 

When  flowly-moving  real  crouds  appear. 

**  What  means,"  he  cried,  and  fhot  a  trembling  eye— 

A  youth  deputed  by  the  reft  drew  nigh. 

And  in  fad  accents  told  the  dreadful  tale. 

Rage  feiz'd  the  king  :  expiring,  breathlefs,  pale 

Idalia  fmks ;  th'  attendant  fair  convey 

With  tears,  and  fhrieks,  the  lifelefs  frame  away. 

*'  Where  is  the  wretch  ? — hear,  hofpitable  Jove  !  — 

*'  Is  this,  is  this  thy  more  than  father's  love  ? 

**  Give  me  my  fon — why  ftare  thy  haggard  eyes 

"  As  fix'd  in  grief?   here  only  forrow  lies" — 

And  fmote  his  breaft — "  Thy  life  in  blood  began 

*'  A  fated  wretch,  a  murd'rer  ere  a  man. 

• 

*'  O  fcoliih  king  1  by  my  indulgence  ftole 

**  This  ferpent  near  me,  that  has  ftung  my  foul. 

"  This  thy  return  fur  all  a  king  could  fhower 

*'  Of  bounty  o'er  thee,  life,  and  wealth,  and  power — - 

*'  Bat  what  are  thofe  ?  How  great  foe'er  they  be,   . 

**  I  gave  thee  more,  I  gave  myfelf  to  thee  : 

*'  I  gave  thee  Atys,  link'd  in  fViendiliip's  chain  — 

''  O  fatal  gift,  if  thus  return'd  again  ! 

IVI  2  "  Reach 


1^4  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

*'  Reach  me  a  fword— and  yet,  dear  bleeding  clay, 
*'  Can  his,  can  thoufand  lives  thy  lofs  repay?" 
Then  burfl:  in  tears,  *'  Heav'n's  inllrument  I  blame, 
**  Tho'  by  his  hand,  from  heav'n  the  vengeance  came» 
*'  This  ftroke,  O  Solon,  has  convinc'd  my  pride  ; 
^'  O  had  I  never  liv'd,  or  earlier  died  1 

^'  xA.las,  poor  wretch,  whydod  thou  bare  thybreaft, 
*'  And  court  my  fword  1   tho'  loll  himfelf  to  rell, 
*'  This  curll;  of  heav'n,  this  Croefus  can  forgive 
**  Th'  unhappy  caufe,  and  bids  the  murd'rer  live." 

*'  Ah  flop,"  he  ciied,  and  write  the  milder  fate 
**  Here  with  thy  fword,  I  only  liv'd  for  that. 
*'  Undone,  J  thought,  beyond  misfortune's  power, 
**  O  do  not  by  forgiyenefs  curfe  me  mere." 

While  yet  he  pleaded,  to  the  mourning  croud 
Forth  ruih'd  Idalia  by  her  maids  purfu'd  ; 
Eager  fhe  feem'd,  with  light  fufpicions  fill'd. 
And  on  her  face  heart-piercing  madnefs  fmii'd. 

*'  Where  is  my  wand'ring  love,  ye  Lydians  fay, 
"  Doe5  he  indeed  along  Meander  flray, 
*'  And  rove  the  Afian  plain  ? — I'll  ftek  him  there. — • 
"  Ye  Lydian  damfels,  of  your  hearts  beware  : 
*'  Fair  is  my  love  as  to  the  funny  beam 
**  The  light-fpread  plumage  on  Cayller's  flream, 
'*  His  locks  are  Hermus'  gold,  his  cheeks  outfliine 
'•^  The  ivory  tinclur'd  b^^  your  ^rt  sli^'ip?.-^ 

*^  I  fee 


A  T  Y  S     AND    A  D  R  A  S  T  U  S.         165 

"  I  fee  him  nov/,  in  Tmolus'  fhacie  he  lies 

**  On  faffron  beds,  fofc  fleep  has  feal'd  his  eyes. 

**  His  breath  adds  fweetnefs  to  the  gale  that  blows, 

'*  Tread  light,  ye  nymphs,  I'll  Ileal  on  his  repofe. 

"  Alas,  he  bleeds,  O  murder  !   Atys  bleeds 

'*  And  o'er  his  face  a  dying  paleneis  fpreads ! 

**  Help,  help,  Adraftas — can  you  leave  him  now, 

•*  In  death  neMecl  him  ?  once  it  was  not  fo. 

•*  What,  and  not  weep  I   a  tear  at  lead  is  due, 

**  Unkind  Adrallus,  he'd  have  wept  for  you. 

*'  Come  then,  my  maids,  our  tears  Ihallwaih  the  gore ; 

"  We  too  will  die,  fince  Atys  is  no  more. 

**  But  firft  we'll  rtrow  with  flowers  the  hallow'd  ground 

*'  Where  lies  my  love,  and  plant  the  cypreA  round; 

**  Nor  let  Adraftus  know,  for  fhould  he  come, 

'*  New  ilreams  of  blood  would  ifTue  from  the  tomb  ; 

**  The  flowers  would  wither  at  his  baleful  tread, 

"  And  at  his  touch  the  fick'ning  cyprefs  fade. 

"  Come,  come — nay  do  not  tear  ms  from  his  fide,  , 

''  Cruel  Adraftus,  am  I  not  his  bride  ? 

"  I  mufl,  —  I  will — me  would  you  murder  too  ?'* 

At  this,  unable  to  fuflain  his  woe, 

"  iVIy  foul  can  bear  no  more,"  Adraflus  cries, 

(His  eyes  on  heav'n)   **  ye  powers  who  rule  the  Ikies  ! 

*'  If  your  augufl,  unerring,  wills  decreed, 

"  That  dates,  and  kings,  and  families  mufl  bleed, 

*'  Why  was  I  Angled  to  perform  the  part, 

"  Unflcel'd  my  foul,  unpetrified  my  heart  ? 

M  ^  "  What 


i66         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

'*  What  had  I  done,  a  child,  an  embryo  man, 
"  Ere  pailions  could  unfold,  or  thought  began  ? 
**  Yet  then  condemn'd  an  infant  wretch  I  fled, 
*'  Blood  on  my  hands,  and  curfes  on  my  head. 
*'  O  had  I  perifh'd  fo  I  but  fortune  fmil'd, 
*'  To  mike  her  frowns  more  dire. — This  vagrant  child 
*'  Became  the  friend  of  kings,  to  curfe  them  all, 
**  And  with  new  horrors  dignify  his  fall." 
Then  eager  fnatch'd  his  fvvord,  **  For  murders  paft 
**  What  have  I  not  endur'd  : — be  this  my  laft," 
And  pierc'd  his  breaft.     *'  This  fated  arm  fiiall  pour 
•'  Your  llreams  of  wrath,  and  hurl  your  bolts  no  more, 
*'  For  pangs  fuiUin'd,  obUvion's  all  I  crave ; 
**  O  let  my  foul  forget  them  in  the  grave  ! 

*'  Alas,  forgive  the  wretch  your  judgments  doom  : 
**  Dark  are  your  ways,  I  wander  in  the  gloom, 
"  Nor  fnould  perhaps  complain. — Be  grit  f  my  (hare ; 
*'  But,  if  your  heav'n  has  mercy,  pour  it  there, 
"  On  yon  heart-broken  king,  on  yon  diftradted  fair." 
He  fpake,  and  drew  the  fteel  ;  the  weeping  train 
Support  him  to  the  bier,  he  grafps  the  flain. 
There  feels  the  lart  fad  joy  his  foul  defire^. 
And  on  his  Atys'  much-lcv'd  breaft  expires* 

*  O  happy  both,  if  I,  if  I  could  Aied 
**  Thofe  tears  eternal  which  embalm  the  dead  j" 

•  rortunat!  ambo,  fi  quid  mea  carmina  poffunr,  &c.     Vjrg. 

While 


ATYS     AND    ADRASTUS. 

While  round  Britannia's  coaft  old  Ocean  raves. 
And  to  her  llandard  roll  th'  embattled  waves. 
Fair  emprefs  of  the  deep ;  fo  long  your  names 
Should  live  lamented  by  her  brightefl  dames ; 
Who  oft,  at  evening,  Ihould  with  tears  relate 
The  murder'd  friend,  and  poor  Idalia's  fate  ; 
And  oft,  enquiring  from  their  lovers,  hear 
How  Croefus  mourn'd  a  twice  revolving  year. 
Then  rous'd  at  Cyrus'  name,  and  glory's  charms. 
Shook  off  enervate  grief,  and  Ihone  again  in  arms* 


M4  ANN 


x68         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

ANN  BOLEYN  to  HENRY  the  EIGHTH. 

An    heroic    epistle.    1743. 
"  Ne  quid  inexpertum  fruflra  moritura  relinquat.'* 

ViRG. 


The  principal  hints  of  the  following  Epiftle  are 
taken  from  the  celebrated  laft  Letter  of  Ann 
Boleyn  to  Henry  the  Eighth,  publiihed  in  the 
Spectator,  No.  397.  The  Author  hopes  the  ad- 
ditions he  has  made  to  it  may  appear  natural  in 
her  unfortunate  fituation. 


IF  fighs  could  foften,  or  diflrefs  cou'd  move 
Obdurate  hearts,  and  bofoms  dead  to  love. 
Already  fure  thefe  tears  had  ceas'd  to  flow. 
And  Henry's  fmiles  reliev'd  his  Anna's  woe. 
Yet  ftill  I  write,  flill  breathe  a  fruitlefs  prayer. 
The  laft  fond  effort  of  extremiC  defpair. 
As  fome  poor  (hip-wreck'd  wretch,  for  ever  loft. 
In  ftrdng  delufion  grafps  the  lefs'ning  coaft. 
Thinks  it  ftill  near,  howe'er  the  billows  drive. 
And  but  with  life  refigns  the  hopes  to  live. 

You  bid  me  live  ;  but  oh  how  dire  the  means  ! 
Virtue  ftarts  back,  and  confcious  pride  difdains. 
Confefs  my  crime  ? — what  crime  ftiall  I  confefs  ? 
In  what  ftrange  terms  the  hideous  falfliood  drefs  ? 

A  vile 


ANN  BOLEYN  to  HENRY  -The  EIGHTH.  169 

A  vile  adukrefs  !   Heav'n  defend  my  fame  ! 

Condemn'd  for  ailing  what  1  fear'd  to  name. 

Blaft  the  foul  wretch,  whofe  impious  tongue  could  dare 

Vv'ith  founds  like  thofe  to  wound  the  royal  ear. 

To  wound  ? — alas  !  they  only  pleas'd  too  well. 

And  cruel  Henry  fm  I'd  when  Anna  fell. 

Why  was  I  rais'd,  why  bade  to  fliine  on  high 
A  pageant  queen,  an  earthly  deity  ? 
This  flower  of  beauty,  fmall,  and  void  of  art. 
Too  weak  to  fix  a  might}'  fovereign's  heart. 
In  life's  low  vale  its  humbler  charms  had  fpread. 
While  ilorms  roll'd  harmlefs  o'er  its  (helter'd  head  : 
Had  found,  perhaps,  a  kinder  gath'rer's  hand. 
Grown  to  his  bread,  and,  by  his  care  fuflain'd. 
Had  bloom'd  a  while,  then,  gradual  in  decay, 
Grac'd  with  a  tear  had  calmly  pafs'd  away. 

Yet,  when  thus  rais'd,  I  taught  my  chafle  defires 
To  know  their  lord,  and  burn  with  equal  fires. 
Why  then  thefa  bonds  ?  is  this  that  re^ral  flate 
The  fair  expe(fb  whom  Henry  bids  be  great  ? 
Are  thefe  lone  walls  and  ne\'er-varied  fcenes 
The  envied  manfion  of  Britannia's  queeni  ? 
Where  diilant  founds  in  hollow  murmurs  die. 
Where  mofs-grown  tow'rs  obftrucl  the  trav'ling  eye. 
Where  o'er  dim  funs  eternal  damps  prevail. 
And  health  ne'er  enters  wafted  by  the  gale. 
How  curi'd  the  wretch,  to  fuch  fad  fcenes  confin'd. 
If  guilt's  dread  fcorplons  lafh  his  torrur'd  mind. 
When  injur 'd  innocence  is  taught  to  fear. 
And  coward  virtue  weeps  and  trembles  here  \ 

Nay 


170         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Nay  ev'n  when  flecp  fhou'.d  ev'ry  care  allay. 
And  Ibftly  (leal  th'  imprilbn'd  foul  away, 
Q^ick  to  my  thoughts  excurfive  fancy  brings 
Long  vilionary  trains  of  niartyr'd  kings. 
1 'here  pious  *  Kenry  recent  from  the  blow, 
I'here  ili-llarr'd  *  Edward  lifrs  his  infant  brow. 
Unhappy  prince  I  thy  weak  defenfelefs  age 
Might  fofcen  recks,  or  footh  the  tiger's  rage ; 
But  not  on  thefe  thy  harder  fates  depend, 
Man,  man  purf^es,  and  murder  is  his  end. 

Such  may  my  f  child,  iach.  dire  protectors  find. 
Thro'  av'rice  cruel,  thro'  ambiiion  blind. 
No  kind  condolance  in  her  utmort  need. 
Her  friends  all  banifh'd,  and  her  parent  dead  ! 
O  hear  me,  Henry,  huiljand,  father,  hear. 
If  e'er  thofe  names  were  gracious  in  thy  ear. 
Since  I  mull  die  (and  fo  thy  eafe  requires. 
For  love  admits  not  of  divided  iires) 

0  to  thy  babe  thy  tend'reil  cares  extend. 
As  parent  cheriin,  and  as  king  defend  ! 
Transfer'd  to  her,  with  tranfport  I  refign 

Thy  faithlefs  heart — if  e'er  that  heart  was  mine. 
Nor  may  remofe  thy  guilty  cheek  inflame. 
When  the  fond  prattler  iifps  her  mother's  name  j 
No  tear  ftart  confcious  when  fhe  meets  your  eye. 
No  heart-felt  pang  extort  th'  unwi'Hng  figh. 
Left  fhe  fhould  find,  and  ib'ong  is  Nature's  call, 

1  :ell  untimely,  and  lament  my  fall ; 

*  H  nry  VI.  and  Edward  V,  bo:h  murdered  in  the  Tower. 
f  Arcej-ward  Queen  Eiizabeth, 

For* 


ANN  EOLEYN  to  HENRY  the  EIGHTH.  171 

Forget  that  duty  which  high  Heav'n  commands. 

And  meet  itricT;  julHce  from  a  father's  hands. 

No,  rather  fay  what  malice  can  invent. 

My  crimes  enormous,  fmall  my  punifhment. 

Pleas 'd  will  I  \"iew  from  yon  fecurer  ihore 

Life,  virtue,  love  too  loll,  and  v%'eep  no  more, 

J  fin  your  breads  the  bonds  of  union  grow,* 

And  undillurb'd  tlie  ftreams  of  duty  flov/. 

— Yet  can  I  tamely  court  the  lifted  ileel. 

Nor  honour's  wounds  with  Urong  refentment  fed? 

Ye  Powers  1  that  tiicught  improves  ev'n  Terror's  king. 

Adds  horrors  to  his  brow,  and  torments  to  his  fting. 

No,  try  me.  Prince  ;  each  word,  each  adlion  weigh. 

My  rage  could  diclate,  or  my  fears  betray  ; 

Each  figh,  each  fmile,  each  diftant  hint  that  hung 

On  broken  founds  of  an  unmeaning  tongue. 

Recount  each  glance  of  thefe  unguarded  eyes. 

The  feats  where  pailion  void  of  reafon  lies ; 

In  thofe  clear  mirrcrs  every  thought  appears ; 

Tell  all  their  frailties — oh  explain  their  tears. 

Yes,  try  me.  Prince;  but  ah  I  let  truth  prevail^ 
And  juftice  only  hold  the  equal  fcale. 
Ah  !  let  not  thofe  the  fatal  fentence  give. 
Whom  brothels  blufli  to  own,  yet  courts  receive  ; 
Bafe,  vulear  fouls — and  Ihall  fuch  wretches  raife 
A  Queen's  concern  ?  to  fear  them,  were  to  praife. 

Yet  oh  (dread  thought  !)   oh  muil  I,  mull:  I  fay, 
Henry  commands,  and  t/j>e/e  conftrain'd  obey  ? 
Too  well  1  know  his  faithlefs  bofom  pants 
For  charms,  alas  !  which  haplefs  Anna  wants. 

Yet 


T7*  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Yet  once  thofe  charms  this  faded  face  could  boad. 

Too  cheaply  yielded,  and  too  quickly  loft. 

Will  *  fhe,  O  think,  whom  now  your  fnares  purfue. 

Will  fhe  fcr  ever  pleafe,  be  ever  new  ? 

Or  muft  fhe,  meteor  like,  a  while  be  great. 

Then  weeping  fall,  and  fhare  thy  Anna's  fate  ? 

Mifguided  maid  !  who  now  perhaps  has  form'd. 
In  tranfport  melting,  with  ambition  warm'd. 
Long  future  greatnefs  in  extatic  fchemes, 
Loofe  plans  of  wild  delight,  and  golden  dreams  ! 
Alas  !   file  knows  not  with  how  fwift  decay 
Thofe  vifionary  glories  fleet  away. 
Alas !   fhe  knows  not  the  fad  time  will  come. 
When  Henr)''s  eyes  to  other  nymphs  fhall  roam : 
When  fhe  fhall  vainly  figh,  plead,  tremble,  rave. 
And  drop,  perhaps,  a  tear  on  Anna's  grave. 
Eife  would  fhe  fooner  truft  the  wintr)'  fea. 
Rocks,  defarts,  monflers— any  thing  than  thee  : 
Thee,  whom  deceit  infpires,  whofe  every  breath 
Sooths  to  defpair,  and  every  fmile  is  death. 

Fool  that  I  was  1   J  faw  my  rifnig  fame 
Gild  the  fad  ruins  of  a  f  nobler  name. 
For  me  the  force  of  facred  ties  difown'd, 
A  realm  infalted,  and  a  Queen  dethron'd. 
Yet,  fondly  wild,  by  love,  by  fortune  led, 
Excus'd  the  crime,  and  fhar'd  the  guilty  bed. 
With  fpecious  reafon  lull'd  each  rifmg  care. 
And  hugg'd  dellrudlon  in  a  form  fo  fair. 

*  Lady  Jane  S-ymour.  -f   Catharine  of  Arragon. 

»TIs 


ANN  BOLEYN  to  HENRY  tiif  EIGHTH.  173 

*Tis  juft,  ye  Powers  ;  no  longer  I  complain, 
\'ain  be  my  tears,  my  boafted  virtues  vain ; 
Let  rage,  let  flames,  this  deiiin'd  wretch  purfue. 
Who  begs  to  die — but  begs  that  death  trom  you. 
Ah  !   why  mull  Henry  the  dread  mandate  feai  ? 
Why  muft  his  hand  uninjur'd  point  the  fteel? 
Say,  for  you  fearch  the  images  that  roll 
In  deep  recefles  of  the  inmoil  foul. 
Say,  did  ye  e'er  amid  thofe  numbers  find 
One  wiih  difloyal,  or  one  thought  unkind  ? 
Then  fnatch  me,  blafl  me,  let  the  light'ning's  win?  ' 
Avert  this  ftroke,  and  fave  the  guilty  king. 
Let  not  my  blood,  by  lawlef^  pafTion  Ihed, 
Draw  down  heav'n's  vengeance  on  his  facred  head. 
But  nature's  power  prevent  the  dire  decree. 
And  my  hard  Lord  without  a  crime  be  free. 

Still,  Hill  I  live,  heav'n  hears  not  what  I  fay. 
Or  turns,  hke  Henry,  from  my  pray'rs  away. 
Rejeded,  loft,  O  whither  Ihail  J  fly, 
I  fear  not  death,  yet  dread  the  means  to  die. 
To  thee,  O  God,  to  th^e  again  I  ccme. 
The  fmner's  refuge,  and  the  v/retch's  home. 
Since  fuch  thy  will,  farewel  my  blafted  fame. 
Let  foul  detraction  feize  my  injur'd  name : 
No  pang,  no  fear,  no  fond  concern  I'll  know. 
Nay  fmile  in  death,  tho'  Henry  gives  xhe  blow. 

And  now,  refign'd,  my  bofom  lighter  grows. 
And  Hope,  foft-beaming,  brightens  all  my  woes. 
Jleleafe  me,  earth  ;  "ye  mortal  bonds,  unde  ; 
.Why  loiters  Jlcrj-y,  when  I  pant  to  die  ? 

For 


174-         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

For  angels  call,  heav'n  opens  at  the  found. 
And  glories  blaze,  and  mercy  llreams  around. 
*  Adieu,  ye  fanes,  whofe  purer  flames  anew 
Rofe  with  my  rife,  and  as  I  flourifh'd  grew. 
Well  may  ye  now  my  weak  proteclion  fpare. 
The  power  that  fix'd  you  fhall  preferve  you  there. 
Small  was  my  part,  yet  all  I  could  employ. 
And  heav'n  repays  it  with  eternal  joy. 

Thus  rapt,  O  kmg,  thus  lab'ring  to  be  free. 
My  gentleft  pafsport  llill  depends  on  thee. 
My  hov'ring  foul,  tho'  rais'd  to  Heaven  by  prayer. 
Still  bends  to  earth,  ar.d  finds  one  forrow  there; 
Breathes  for  another's  life  its  lateft  groan — 
ReCgn'd  and  happy,  might  I  part  alone  ! 

Why  frowns  my  Lord  r — ere  yet  the  iiroke's  decreed, 
O  hear  a  filler  for  a  f  brother  plead. 
By  heav'n  he's  wrong'd. — Alas  !  why  that  to  you  ? 
You  know  he's  wrong'd — you  know,  and  yet  purfue. 
Unhappy  youth  1  what  anguifh  he  endures  !  — 
Was  it  for  this  he  prcfs'd  me  to  be  yours. 
When  ling'ring,  wav'ring,  on  the  brink  I  ftood. 
And  ey'd  obliquely  the  too  tempting  flood  ? 
Was  it  far  this  his  laviili  tongue  difplay'd 
A  monarch's  graces  to  a  love-fick  maid  ? 
Vv^ith  ftudied  art  confenting  nature  fir'd. 
And  forc'd  my  will  to  what  it  mofl  defir.'d  ? 

*   Her  marriage  with  King  H^nry  was  a  means  of  introducing  the 
Proteftant  religion,  of  which  ihe  was  a  greit  patrunefs. 
•f  George  B  ;ieyn,  Vifcount  Rochford. 

•'  .  Did 


ANN  BOLEYN  to  HENRY  the  EIGHTH.  175 

Did  he,  enchanted  by  the  fiattVmg  fcene. 
Delude  the  filler,   and  exalt  the  queen. 
To  fall  attendant  on  that  filler's  lliade. 
And  die  a  viclim  with  the  queen  he  made  ? 

And,  witnefs  Heav'n,  I'd  bear  to  fee  him  dif. 
Did  not  that  thought  bring  back  the  dreadful  iK-hy  : 
The  blaiting  foulnefs,  that  mull  flill  defame 
Our  lifelefs  allies,  and  united  name. 
— Ah  llop,  my  foul,  nor  let  one  thought  purfue 
That  fatal  track,  to  wake  thy  pangs  anew. — 
Perhaps  fome  pitying  bard  fhail  fave  from  death 
Our  mangled  fame,  and  teach  our  woes  to  breathe ; 
Some  kind  hillorian's  pious  leaves  difplay 
Our  haplefs  loves,  and  wain  the  llains  away. 
Fair  Truth  (hall  blefs  them,  \'^irtue  guard  their  caufe» 
And  every  chafte-ey'd  matron  weep  applaufe. 

Yet,  tho'  no  bard  fhould  ^ingy  or  fage  record, 
I  flill  fhall  vanquifh  my  too  faithlcfs  lord ; 
Shall  fee  at  lall  my  injur'd  caufe  prevail. 
When  pitying  Angels  hear  the  mourn fal  tale. 
—  And  muft  thy  wife,  by  Heav'n's  fevere  command. 
Before  his  throne  thy  fad  accufer  Hand  ? 
O  Henry,  chain  my  tongue,  thy  guilt  atone. 
Prevent  my  fufPrings  —  ah  I   prevent  thy  own  ! 
Or  hear  me,  Heav'n,  fince  Henry's  flUI  unkind. 
With  llrang  repentance  touch  his  guilty  mind, 
AvA  oh  !  when  angnifh  tears  hi^  lab'ring  foul. 
Thro'  his  rack'd  breall  when  keeneft  horrors  roll. 
When,  weeping,  grov'ling  in  the  duu  he  lies, 
^n  humbled  v/retcli,  a  bltr-jJing  ficriilce. 

Then 


176  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Then  let  me  bear  ('tis  all  my  griefs  fhall  claim. 
For  life's  loft  honours,  and  polluted  fame) 
Then  let  me  bear  thy  mandate  from  on  high. 
With  kind  forgivenefs  let  his  Anna  fly. 
From  every  pang  the  much-lov'd  fuiPrer  free. 
And  breathe  that  mercy  he  denies  to  me. 


ON 


[     1-7     ] 


ON      RIDICULE.     1743. 


Acrbs^o;  0*  a^  sj/uflo  ysXu^.  HoMER, 

5rx^  W  A  S  faid  of  old,  deny  It  now  who  can, 

-*"     The  only  laughing  animal  is  man. 
The  bear  may  leap,  its  lumpiih  cubs  in  view. 
Or  fportive  cat  her  circling  tail  purfue ; 
The  grin  deep-lengthen  Pug's  half-human  face. 
Or  prick'd-up  ear  confefs  the  fimp'ring  afs : 
In  aukward  geilures  aukward  mirth  be  fhown. 
Yet,  fpite  of  gefture,  man  Hill  laughs  alone. 

Th'  all-powerful  hand,  which,  taught  yon  fun  to  fhinc, 
Firft  drefs'd  in  fmiles  the  human  face  divine ; 
And  early  innocence,  unfpoil'd  by  art. 
Thro'  the  glad  eye  betrayed  th'  o'erflowing  heart. 
No  weak  difgufls  difturb'd  the  focial  plan, 
A  brother's  frailties  but  proclaim'd  him  man. 
Nought  perfect  here  they  found,  nor  ought  requlr'd, 
Excus'd  the  weakncfs,  and  the  worth  admir'd. 

Succeeding  ages  more  fagacious  grew  ; 
They  mark'd  our  foibles,  and  would  mend  them  too. 
Each,  ftrangcly  wife,  fivv  what  was  jufl  and  bell. 
And  by  his  model  would  reform  the  refl  ; 

Vol.  LXXIL  N  Th<- 


17S         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

The  rell,  impatient,  cr  rejed  with  fcorn 
The  fpecious  infult,  or  with  pride  return  ; 
Till  all  meet  all  with  controverfial  eyes. 
If  wrong  refute  them,  and  if  right  defpife. 
Not  with  their  lives,  but  pointed  wits,  contend. 
Too  weak  to  vanquifh,  and  too  vain  to  mend. 

Our  mirthful  age,  to  all  extremes  a  prey, 
Ev'n  courts  the  lafh,  and  laughs  her  pains  away. 
Declining  worth  imperial  wit  fupplies. 
And  Momus  triumphs,  while  Aftrsea  flies. 
No  truth  fo  facred,  banter  cannot  hit. 
No  fool  fo  llupid,  but  he  aims  at  wit. 
Ev'n  thofe,  v/hofe  breafts  ne'er  plann'd  one  virtuous 

deed. 
Nor  rais'd  a  thought  beyond  the  earth  they  tread : 
Ev'n  thofe  can  cenfure,  thofe  can  dare  deride 
A  Bacon's  av'rice,  or  a  Tully's  pride ; 
And  fneer  at  human  checks  by  nature  given. 
To  curb  perfection  ere  it  rival  heaven  : 
Nay,  chiePiy  fuch  in  thefe  low  arts  prevail, 
Whofe  v/ant  of  talents  leaves  them  time  to  rail. 
Born  for  no  end,  they  worfe  than  ufe-efs  grow 
(As  waters  poifon  if  they  ceafe  to  now)  ; 
And  pefts  become,  whom  kinder  fate  defign'd 
B-t  harmlefs  expletives  of  human  kind. 
See  with  what  zeal  th'  infidious  tafk  they  ply  ! 
Where  fhall  the  prudent,  where  the  virtuous  fly  ? 
Lurk  as  ye  can,  if  they  direfl  the  ray. 
The  veriell  atoms  in  the  fun-beams  play. 

No 


On     ridicule.  175 

No  \'enial  flip  their  quick  attention  'fcapes  ; 
They  trace  each  Proteus  thro'  his  hundred  fhapes; 
To  A'lirth's  tribunal  drag  the  caitif  train. 
Where  mercy  fleeps,  and  nature  pleads  in  vain. 

And  whence  this  lull  to  laugh  ?  what  fond  pretence  ? 
Why  Shaftfb'ry  tells  us.  Mirth's  the  teft  of  Senfe  ; 
Th'  enchanted  touch,  which  fraud  and  falfhood  fear^ 
Like  Una's  mirror,  or  Ithuriel's  fpear. 
Not  fo  fair  Truth — aloft  her  temple  flands 
The  work  and  glory  of  immortal  hands. 
Huge  rocks  of  adamant  its  bafe  enfold, 
Ste-el  bends  the  arch,  the  columns  fwell  in  gold. 
No  llorms,  no  tumults,  reach  the  facred  fane  ; 
Waves  idly  beat,  and  winds  grow  loud  in  vain. 
The  fliaft  fmks  pointlefs,  ere  it  verges  there. 
And  the  dull  hifs  but  dies  away  in  air. 

Yet  let  me  fay,  howe'cr  fecure  it  rife. 
Sly  fraud  may  reach  it,  and  clofe  craft  farprife. 
Truth,  drawn  like  truth,  muH:  blaze  divinely  bright ; 
But,  drawn  like  error,  truth  may  cheat  the  fight. 
Some  aukward  epithet,  with  {kill  apply'd. 
Some  fpecious  hints,  which  half  their  meanings  hide. 
Can  right  and  wrong  moft  courteouily  confound. 
Banditti  like,  to  dun  us  ere  they  wound. 

Is  there  an  art,  thro'  fcience'  various  flore. 
But,  madly  llrain'd,  becomes  an  art  no  more  f 

N2  U 


i?o         WHITEHEAD'S     POEMS. 

Is  there  a  virtue,  falihood  can't  difguiie  ? 

Betwixt  two  vices  e\'ery  virtue  lies : 

To  this,  to  that,  the  doubtful  beam  incline. 

Or  mirth's  falfe  balance  take,  the  triumph's  thine. 

Let  mighty  Newton  with  an  Augur's  hand. 
Thro'  heaven's  high  concave  flretch  th'  imperial  wand.. 
The  vagrant  comet's  dubious  path  afTign, 
And  lead  from  ftar  to  liar  th'  unerring  line : 
Who  but  with  tranfport  lifts  his  piercing  eye. 
Fond  to  be  loil  in  vaft  immenfity  ! 
But  (hould  your  *  taylor,  with  as  much  of  thought, 
Eredt  his  quadrant,  ere  he  cuts  your  coat  ; 
The  parchment  flips  with  algebra  o'erfpread. 
And  calculations  fcravvl  on  every  fhred ; 
Art  mifapply'd  muil  Hare  you  in  the  face. 
Nor  could  you,  grave,  the  long  deductions  trace. 

Fond  of  one  art,  mofc  men  the  reft  forego ; 
And  all's  ridiculous,  but  what  they  know. 
Freely  they  cenfure  lands  they  ne'er  explore. 
With  tales  they  learn'd  from  coailers  on  the  fnore. 
As  Afric's  petty  kings,  perhaps,  who  hear 
Of  dillant  flates  from  fome  weak  traveller, 
ImperfeCl  hints  with  eager  ears  devour. 
And  fneer  at  Europe's  fiite,  and  Britain's  power. 

All  arts  are  ufcful,  as  all  nature  good. 
Correctly  known,  and  temp'rately  purfucd, 

*  '*  Your  taylor,"  &c,  fee  GullJvei's  travels,  voyage  to  Laputa. 

The 


On     R  I  D  I  C  U  L  E.  igi 

The  ailive  foul,  that  heav'n-born  lamp,  requires 

Still  new  fupports  to  feed,  and  raife  its  fires; 

And  Icience'  ample  flores  expanded  Hand, 

As  diiF'rent  aids  the  varying  flames  demand. 

And,  as  the  lylvan  chace  bids  bodies  glow. 

And  purple  health  thro'  vig'rous  channels  flow : 

So  fares  the  infant  mind,  by  nature  drawn. 

By  genius  roas'd  at  reafon's  early  dawn  ; 

Which  dares  fair  learning's  arduous  feats  invade. 

Climb  the  tall  clifF,  or  pierce  th'  entangled  fliade  ; 

New  health,  new  flrength,  new  force  its  powers  receive. 

And  'tis  from  toil  th'  immortal  learns  to  live. 

Or,  if  too  harfh  each  boill'rous  labour  proves. 

The  Mufe  conducts  us  to  more  happy  groves ; 

Where  fport  her  filler  arts,  with  myrtles  crown'd, 

Expreffive  piflure,  and  perfaafive  found  ; 

Where  truth's  rough  rules  the  gentleft  lays  impart. 

And  virtue  fleals  harmonious  on  the  heart. 

We  oft,  'tis  true,  miftake  the  fat'rift's  aim. 
Not  arts  themfelves,  but  their  abufe  they  blame. 
Yet,  if,  Crufaders  Hke,  their  zeal  be  rage. 
They  hurt  the  caufe  in  which  their  arms  engage : 
On  heav'nly  anvils  forge  the  temper'd  fteel. 
Which  fools  can  brandiih,  and  the  wife  may  feel. 
Readers  are  few,  v/ho  nice  dilHnclions  form, 
Supinely  cool,  or  creduloufly  warm. 
'Tis  jeft,  'tis  earneft,  as  the  words  convey 
Some  glimm'ring  fcnfe  to  lead  weak  heads  aflray. 

N  3  And 


iSi         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  when,  too  anxious  for  feme  art  afiail'd. 
You  point  the  latent  flaw  by  which  it  fail'd  ; 
Each  to  his  bias  leans,  a  fteady  fool. 
And,  for  tlie  part  dcfedive,  damns  the  whole. 

In  elder  James's  ever-peacefal  reign. 
Who  fway'd  alike  the  fceptre  and  the  pen. 
Had  fome  rough  poet,  with  fatync  rage, 
Alarm'd  the  court,  and  lafh'd  the  pedant  age  ; 
What  freights  of  genius  on  that  rock  had  fplit  ? 
Where  now  were  learning,  and  where  now  were  wit  ? 
Matur'd  and  full  the  rifing  forefl;  grows. 
Ere  its  wife  owner  lops  th'  advancing  boughs  : 
For  oaks,  like  arts,  a  length  of  years  demand. 
And  iliade  the  lliepherd,  ere  they  grace  the  land. 

Where  then  may  cenfure  fall  ?   'tis  hard  to  fay ; 
On  all  that's  wrong  it  may  not,  and  it  may. 
In  life,  as  arts,  it  aiks  cur  niceil  care. 
But  hurts  us  more,  as  more  immediate  there. 

Refign  we  freely  to  th'  unthinking  crowd 
Their  Handing  jell,  which  fweils  the  laugh  fo  loud. 
The  mountain  back,  or  head  advanc'd  too  high, 
A  leg  mif-fnapen,  or  diilorted  eye  : 
We  pity  faults  by  nature's  hand  imprefl  ; 
Therfites'  mind,  but  not  his  form's  the  jell. 

Here  then  we  fix,  and  iafn  without  controul 
Thefe  mental  pefts,  and  hydras  of  the  foul  j 

Acquir'4 


On      ridicule.  183 

Acquired  ill -nature,  ever  prompt  debate, 
A  zeal  for  flander,  and  delib'rate  hate  : 
Thefe  court  contempt,  proclaim  the  public  foe. 
And  each  *  Ulylles  like,  fhould  aim  the  blow. 

Yet  fure,  ev'n  here,  our  motives  fhould  be  known  : 
Rail  we  to  check  his  fpleen,  or  eafe  our  own  ? 
Does  injur'd  virtue  ev'ry  fliaft  fupply. 
Arm  the  keen  tongue,  and  flufh  th'  ere£led  eye  ? 
Or  do  v/e  from  ourfelves  ourfelves  difguife ; 
And  acl,  perhaps,  the  Villain  we  chaftife  ? 
Hope  we  to  mend  him  ?  hopes,  alas,  how  vain  ! 
He  feels  the  laiTi,  not  lillens  to  the  rein. 


} 


'Tis  dangerous  too,  in  thefe  licentious  times, 
Howe'er  fevere  the  fmile,  to  fport  with  crimes. 
Vices  when  ridicul'd,  experience  fays. 
Fir  ft  lofe  that  horror  which  they  ought  to  raife, 
Grow  by  degrees  approv'd,  and  almoft  aim  at  praife. 
When  Tully's  tongue  the  Roman  Clodius  draws. 
How  laughing  fa  tire  weakens  Milo's  caufe  ! 
Each  piclur'd  vice  fo  impudently  bad. 
The  crimes  turn  frolics,  and  the  villain  ni,ad ; 
Rapes,  murders,  inceft,  treafons,  mirth  create. 
And  Rome  fcarce  hates  the  author  of  her  fate. 

'Tis  true,  the  comic  Mufe,  confin'd  to  rules, 
Supply'd  the  laws,  and  fham'd  the  tardy  fchools ; 

♦Iliad  ii. 

N  4  With 


iS4         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

'With  living  precepts  urg'd  the  moral  truth. 
And  by  example  form'd  the  yielding  youth. 
The  titled  knave  with  honefl  freedom  Ihown, 
His  perfon  mimick'd,  nor  his  name  unknown. 
Taught  the  young  breail  its  opening  thoughts  to  raife 
From  dread  of  infamy  to  love  of  praife. 
From  thence  to  virtue ;  there  perfedlion  ends. 
As  gradual  from  the  root  the  flower  afcends  ; 
Strain'd  thro'  the  varying  ftems  the  juices  flow. 
Bloom  o'er  the  top,  and  leave  their  dregs  below. 

'Twas  thus  a  while  th'  inftruflive  flage  furvey'd. 
From  breail:  to  breail  its  glowing  influence  fpread. 
Till,  from  his  nobler  tafe  by  paflions  won. 
The  man  unravel'd  what  the  bard  had  done  ; 
And  he,  whofe  warmth  had  iir'd  a  nation's  heart, 
Debas'd  to  private  piques  tbe  gen'rous  art. 
Here  funk  the  Mufe,  and,  ufelefs  by  degrees. 
She  ceas'd  to  profit,  as  fhe  ceas'd  to  pleafe. 
No  longer  wit  a  judging  audience  charm'd. 
Who,  rous'd  not  flr'd,  not  raptur'd  but  alarm'd. 
To  well-tun'd  fcandal  lent  a  jealous  ear. 
And  thro'  the  faint  applaufe  be  tray 'd  the  fear. 

We,  like  Menander,  more  difcreetly  dare. 
And  well-bred  Satire  wears  a  milder  air. 
Still  vice  we  brand,  or  titled  fools  difgrace. 
But  drefs  in  fable's  guiie  the  borrow'd  face. 
Or  as  the  bee,  thro'  nature's  wild  retreats. 
Drinks  the  molfi  fragrance  from  th'  unconfcious  fvveets. 

To 


On     R  I  D  I  C  U  L  E.  185 

To  injure  none,  we  lightly  range  the  ball. 
And  glean  from  diiFrent  knaves  the  copious  gall ; 
Extradt,  compound,  with  all  a  chemift's  Ikill, 
And  claim  the  motley  characters  who  will. 

Happy  the  Mufe,  cculd  thus  her  tuneful  aid 

To  fenfe,  to  virtue,  wake  the  more  than  dead  ! 

But  few  to  fi<rtion  lend  attentive  ears. 

They  view  the  face,  but  foon  forget  'tis  theirs. 

"  'Twas  not  from  them  the  bard  their  Hkenefs  flole, 

"  The  random  pencil  haply  hit  the  mole  ; 

*•  Ev'n  from  their  prying  foes  fuch  fpccks  retreat ;" 

— TJiey  hide  ihem  from  themfelves,  and  crown  the  cheat. 

Or  fhould,  perhaps,  fome  fofter  clay  admit 
The  fly  impreffions  of  indruclive  wit ; 
To  virtue's  fide  in  confcious  iilence  Heal, 
And  glow  with  goodnefs,  ere  we  find  they  feel  j 
Yet  more,  'tis  fear'd,  will  clofer  methods  take. 
And  keep  with  caution  what  they  can't  fcrfake ; 
For  fear  of  man,  in  his  mod  mirthful  mood. 
May  make  us  hypocrites,  but  feldom  good. 
And  what  avails  that  feas  confefs  their  bounds. 
If  fubtler  infe(ft5  fap  the  Belgian  mounds  ? 
Tho'  no  wing'd  mifchief  cleave  the  mid-day  (kies. 
Still  thro'  the  dark  the  baleful  venom  flies. 
Still  virtue  feels  a  fare  tho'  ling'ring  fate. 
And,  ftabb'd  in  fecrct,  bleeds  th'  unguarded  Hate. 

Befides,  in  men  have  varying  palTions  made 
Such  nice  conful;Qns,  blending  light  with  Ihade, 

That 


i85         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

That  e2o;er  zeal  to  laugh  the  vice  away 

Mav  hurt  feme  virtue's  interminclinjr  rav. 

Ms-n's  faults,  like  Martin's  *  broider'd  coat,  demand 

The  niceft  touches  of  the  ftcadieil  hand. 

Some  yield  with  eafe,  while  feme  their  polls  maintain ; 

And  parts  defe<^ive  will  at  lait  remain. 

There,  where  they  beft  fucceed,  your  labours  bend; 

Nor  render  ufelefs,  what  you  ftrive  to  mend. 

The  youthful  Curio  blufh'd  whene'er  he  fpoke, 
Kis  ill-t'.m'd  modeity  the  general  joke  ; 
Sneer'd  by  his  friends,  nor  could  that  fneer  endure — 
Behold,  fad  inilance  of  their  llcill  to  cure  ! 
The  confcious  blood,  which  iir'd  his  cheek  before. 
Now  leaves  his  bofom  cool,  and  warns  no  more. 

But  afFecflation — there,  we  all  confefs. 
Strong  are  the  motives,  and  the  danger  lefs. 
Sure  we  may  fmlle  where  fools  themfelves  have  made. 
As  balk'd  fpeilators  of  a  farce  ill  play'd. 
And  laugh,  if  fatire's  breath  fnould  rudely  raife 
The  painted  plumes  which  vanity  difplays. 

O  fruitf j1  fource  of  everlafting  mirth  ! 
For  fools,  like  apes,  are  mimics  from  their  birth. 
By  fafhion  govern'd,  nature  each  negledls. 
And  barters  graces  for  admir'd  defeds. 
The  artful  hypocrites,  who  virtue  wear, 
Confefs,  at  leail,  the  facred  form  is  fair  ; 

*  Tale  of  a  Tab. 

Then 


On      R  I  D  I  C  U  L  E.  187 

And  apes  of  fcience  equally  allow 

The  fcholar's  title  to  the  laurel'd  brow ; 

But  what  have  thofe  'gainfl  Satire's  lath  to  plead. 

Who  court  with  zeal  what  others  fly  with  dread  ? 

AiFeft  ev'n  vice  !   poor  folly's  laft  excefs^ 

As  Piifls  miftook  deformity  for  drefs. 

And  fmear'd  with  fo  much  art  their  hideous  charms. 

That  the  grim  beauty  fcar'd  you  from  her  arms. 

Too  oft  thefe  follies  *  bafk  in  virtue's  (hine. 
The  wild  luxuriance  of  a  foil  too  fine. 
Yet  oh,  reprefs  them,  wherefoe'er  tliey  rife — 
But  how  perform  it  ?  — there  the  danger  lies. 
Short  are  the  leiTons  taught  in  Nature's  fchool. 
Here  each  peciliar  afks  a  fep'rate  rule. 
Nice  is  the  tail:,  be  gcn'ral  if  you  can. 
Or  ftrike  with  caution  if  you  point  the  man  : 
And  think,  O  think,  the  caule  by  all  aiTign'd 
To  raife  our  laughter,  makes  it  mofi  unkind  : 
For  tho'  from  narirc  thefe  no  ftrength  receive. 
We  sive  them  nature  when  we  bid  them  live. 

o 

Like  Jove's  Minerva  fprings  the  gentle  train. 
The  genuine  offspring  of  each  teeming  brain  ; 
On  which,  like  tcnd'reit  fires,  we  fondly  doat. 
Plan  future  fame  in  luxury  of  thought. 
And  fcarce  at  laft,  o'erpower'd  by  foes  or  friends. 
Torn  from  our  breaib  the  dear  delufion  ends. 

•  AffctlatioRs. 

let 


,88         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Then  let  good-nature  every  charm  exert. 
And,  while  it  mends  it,  win  th'  unfolding  heart. 
Let  moral  mirth  a  face  of  triumph  wear. 
Yet  fmile  unconfcious  of  th'  extorted  tear. 
See,  with  what  grace  inflruflive  fatire  flows. 
Politely  keen,  in  Clio's  number'd  profe  ! 
That  great  example  ihould  our  zeal  excite. 
And  cenibrs  learn  from  Addifon  to  write. 
So,  in  our  age,  too  prone  to  fport  with  pain. 
Might  foft  humanity  rciume  her  reign  ; 
Pride  without  rancour  feel  th'  objeded  fault. 
And  folly  blafh,  as  willing  to  be  taught ; 
Critics  crrow  mild,  life's  wittv  warfare  ceafe. 
And  true  good-nature  breathe  the  balm  of  peace. 


ON 


[     '^9    3 


ON       NOBILITY: 

An     epistle. 

To    THE    Earl    o  f 

P  O  E  T  S,  my  Lord,  by  fome  unlucky  fate 

■*•     Condemn'd  to  flatter  the  too  eafy  great. 

Have  oft,  regardlefs  of  their  Heav'n-born  flame, 

Enflirin'd  a  title,  and  ador'd  a  name  ; 

For  idol  deities  forfcok  the  true. 

And  paid  to  greatnefs  what  was  virtue's  due. 

Yet  hear,  at  leafl,  one  recreant  bard  maintain 
Their  incen'e  fruitlefs,  and  your  honours  vain  : 
Teach  you  to  fcorn  th'  auxiliar  props,  that  raife 
The  painted  produce  of  tliefc  fun-fliine  days  ; 
Proud  from  yourfelf,  like  India's  worm,  to  weave 
Th'  ennobling  thread,  which  fortune  cannot  give. 
In  two  ihort  precepts  your  whole  leflbn  lies ; 
Wou'd  you  be  great  ?  — be  virtuous,  and  be  wife. 

In  elder  time,  e'er  heralds  yet  were  known 
To  gild  the  vain  with  glories  not  their  own ; 
Or  infant  language  faw  fach  terms  prevail. 
As  Fefs  and  Chev'ron,  Pale  and  Contrepale  ; 
'Twas  he  alone  the  (^ia.ggy  fpoils  m.ight  wear, 
Whofe  flrength  fubdu'd  the  lion,  or  the  bear ; 


For 


190  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

For  him  the  rofy  fpring  with  fmiles  beheld 
Her  honours  ftript  from  every  grove  and  field ; 
For  him  the  ruflic  {uires  with  fongs  advance ; 
For  him  the  vHrgins  form  the  annual  dance. 
Born  to  proteft,  like  Gods  they  hail  the  brave  ; 
And  fure  'twas  godlike,  to  be  born  to  fave  ! 

In  Turkey  ftill  thcfe  fimple  manners  reign, 
Tho'  Pharaniond  has  liv'd,  and  Charlemagne  : 
The  cottage  hind  may  there  admitted  rife 
A  chief,  or  ftatefman,  as  his  talent  lies  ; 
And  all,  but  Othman's  race,  the  only  proud. 
Fall  with  their  fires,  and  mingle  with  the  crowd. 

Politer  courts,  ingenious  to  extend 
The  father's  virtues,  bid  his  pomps  defcend  ; 
Chiefs  premature  with  fuafive  wreaths  adorn. 
And  force  to  glory  heroes  yet  unborn, 
*  Plac'd  like  Hamilcar's  fon,  their  path's  confin'd. 
Forward  they  muH,  for  monfters  prefs  behind  ; 
Moniiers  more  dire  than  Spain's,  or  Barca's  fnakes. 
If  fame  they  grafp  not,  infamy  o'ertakes. 
'Tis  the  fame  virtue's  vigorous,  juft  eitort 
Mull:  grace  alike  St.  James's  or  the  Porte  ; 

*  P lac'' d  like  Ham'ilcar^fjn,  &c.]  Ibi  far.a  efc,  In  quiete  vifum 
ab  eo  Juvenem  divina  fpecie,  qui  fe  ab  Jove  diceiet  ducem  in  Italiam 
Annibali  rninura.  Proinde  fequeretur,  neque  ufquam  a  fe  defiefteret 
oculss.  Pavid'im  primo,  nufquam  refplcientem,  fire— Tandem,— 
temperare  ooulis  nequivliTe  :  turn  vidifle.  poft  fe  ferpentcm  mira  mag- 
nhudme  cum  ingenti  arborum  ac  virgultoium  ftrnge  feni,  Scz.  Liv. 
lib.  X2cr.  c<  22. 

Alike, 


0?i      NOBILITY.  19, 

Alike,  my  Lord,  muft  Turk,  or  Britifh  peer. 
Be  to  his  King,  and  to  his  country  dear  ; 
Alike  mafl  either  honour's  caufe  maintain. 
You  to  preferve  a  fame,  and  they  to  gain. 

For  birth precarious  were  that  boailed  gem, 

Tho'  worth  flow'd  copious  in  the  vital  llream  : 

(Of  which  a  fad  revtrfe  hiltorians  preach. 

And  fage  Experience  proves  the  truths  they  teach.) 

For  fay,  ye  great,  who  boafl  another's  fears. 

And,  like  Bufiris,  end  among  the  liars. 

What  is  this  boon  of  Heav'n  ?   dependent  flill 

On  woman's  weaknefs,  and  on  woman's  will. 

Might  not,  in  Pagan  days,  and  open  air. 

Seme  wand'ring  Jove  furprife  th'  unguarded  fair? 

And  did  your  gentle  grandam.es  always  prove 

Stern  rebels  to  the  charms  of  lawlefs  love  ? 

And  never  pity'd,  at  fome  tender  time, 

*  A  dying  Damian,  with'ring  in  his  prime  ? 

Or,  m.ore  politely  to  their  vows  untrue, 

Lov'd,  and  elop'd,  as  modern  ladies  do? 

But  grant  them  virtuous,  were  they  all  of  birth  ? 
Did  never  nobles  mix  with  vulgar  earth, 
And  city  maids  to  envy'd  heights  tranflate, 
Subdu'd  by  paffion,  and  decay'd  eitate  ? 
Or,  ^igh,  {till  humbler,  to  the  pajTmg  gales 
By  turf-built  cots  in  daify-painted  vales  ? 
V/ho  does  not,  Pamela,  thy  falF'rings  feel  ? 
Who  has  not  wept  at  beauteous  Grifel's  wheel  ? 

*  A  (^ying  Dam'iar.j  &c.]   Se3  January  and  May  in  Chaucer  and 
Mv.  Pop?. 

And 


191         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

*  And  each  fair  Marchionefs,  that  Gallia  pours 
(Exotic  forrows)  to  Britannia's  (hores  ? 

Then  blame  us  not,  if  backward  to  comply 
With  your  demands  :  we  fear  a  forgery. 
In  fpite  of  patents,  and  of  kings  decrees. 
And  blooming  coronets  on  parchment-trees. 
Your  proofs  are  gone,  your  very  claims  are  loil. 
But  by  the  manners  of  that  race  you  boafl. 
O  if  true  virtue  fires  their  gen'rous  blood. 
The  feel  for  fame,  the  pant  for  public  good. 
The  kmd  concern  for  innocence  diftrefl. 
The  Titus'  wifh  to  make  a  people  blell. 
At  every  deed  we  fee  their  father's  tomb 
Shoot  forth  new  laurels  in  eternal  bloom  ; 
We  hear  the  rattling  car,  the  neighing  fleed^, 
A  Poictiers  thunders,  and  a  CreiTy  bleeds  ! 
Titles  and  birth,  hke  di'monds  from,  the  mine. 
Mull  by  your  worth  be  polilh'd  e'er  they  Ihine ; 
Thence  drink  new  luftre,  there  unite  their  rays. 
And  Hream  thro'  ages  one  unfully'd  blaze. 

But  what  avails  the  creft  v/ith  fiow'rets  crown'd^ 
The  mother  virtuous,  or  the  fires  renown'd. 
If,  from  the  breathing  walls,  thofe  fires  behold 
The  midnight  gamefter  trembling  for  his  gold  : 
And  fee  thofe  hours,  when  lleep  their  toils  repair'd, 
(Or,  if  they  wak'd,  they  wak'd  for  Britain's  guard,) 
Nov/  on  lev,'d  Icves  bellovv'd,  or  drench 'd  in  wine. 
Drown  and  embrute  the  particle  divine  ? 

-f-  And  each  fair  Marcbiorsfsy  &c.]  Marianne,  the  Fortunate 
Country  Maid,  ^cc. 

How 


On     nobility.  155 

How  muft  they  wifh,  with  many  a  figh,  unheard 

The  warmeii  pray'r  they  once  to  heav'n  prefer'd  I 

When  not  content  v/ith  fame  for  kingdoms  won, 

Tliey  fought  an  added  boon,  and  a£k'd  a  fon ; 

That  cloud  eternal  in  their  fky  ferene. 

That  dull  dead  weight  that  drags  them  do\;vTi  to  men. 

And  freaks  as  plainly  as  the  Mufe's  tongue, 

*^  Frail  were  the  fires  from  whom  we  mortals  fprung.'* 

Incenfe  to  fuch  may  breathe,  but  breathes  in  vainj 
The  dafky  vapour  but  obfcures  the  fane  : 
*  Loretto's  lady  like,  fuch  patrons  bear 
The  flatt'ring  llains  of  many  a  live-long  year  ; 
While  but  to  l"hame  them  beams  ficlitlous  day. 
And  their  own  filth  th'  sternal  lamps  betray. 
Tell  us,  ye  names,  prcferv'd  from  Charles's  times 
In  dedication  profe,  heroic  rhymes  ; 
Would  ye  not  now,  with  equal  joy  refign 
(Tho*  taught  to  flow  in  Dryden's  ftrain  divine) 
The  awkward  virtues  never  meant  to  fit. 
The  alien  morals,  and  imputed  wit, 
V.'hofe  very  praife  but  lends  a  fatal  breath 
To  fave  expiring  infamy  from  death  ? 
And  yet,  in  conqu'ring  vice  fmall  virtue  lies ; 
The  weak  can  Aun  it,  and  the  vain  defpife. 
'Tis  yours  my  Lord,  to  form  a  nobler  aim. 
And  build  on  adlive  merit  endlefs  fame  ; 
Unlike  the  loit'ring.  Hill  forgotten  croud. 
Who,  ev'n  at  beil  but  negatively  good, 

*  Loretto's  lady,  &c,]    See  Dr.  Middleton's  Letter  from  Rome, 
(4th  edit,  odlavo)  page  15:. 

Vol.  LXXII."       '  O  Thro' 


T54.         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Thro'  Sloth's  dull  round  drag  out  a  length  of  days. 
While  Life's  dim  taper  gradually  decays ; 
And  numbers  fall,  and  numbers  rife  the  fame. 
Their  country's  burden,  and  tlieir  nature's  friame. 

What  tho'  in  youth,  while  flatt'ring  hopes  prefume 
On  health's  vain  flourifh  for  long  years  to  come, 
Thoughtlefs  and  gay,  a  mad  good -nature  draws 
From  followers  flatt'ry,  and  from  crouds  applaufe  ; 
Nay  from  the  mk,  by  fome  capricious  whim. 
Should,  mix'd  with  pity,  force  a  faint  efteem  : 
Yet  will  in  age  that  fyren  charm  prevail. 
When  cares  grow  peevifh,  and  when  fpirits  fail ; 
Or  mult,  defpis'd,  each  fool  of  fortune  figh 
O'er  years  mifpent  with  retrofpeclive  eye. 
Till  pomp's  laft  honours  load  the  pageant  bier. 
And  much  folemnlty  without  a  tear  ? 

'Tis  yours  with  judgment  nobly  to  bellow. 
And  treafure  joys  the  bounteous  only  know. 
See,  fav'd  from  floth  by  you,  with  venial  pride. 
Laborious  Health  the  ftubborn  glebe  divide  j 
Inllrucled  Want  her  folded  arms  unbend. 
And  fmiling  InduHry  the  loom  attend. 
Yours  too  the  talk  to  fpread  indulgent  eafe. 
Steal  cares  from  wrinkled  age,  difarm  difeafe  ; 
Infulted  v/orth  from  proud  oppreilion  fcreen. 
And  give  negleded  Science  where  to  lean. 
Titles,  like  flandard- flags,  exalted  rife. 
To  tell  the  wretched  where  Prote61ion  lies  ; 
And  he  who  hears  unmov'd  Affliction's  claim, 
Defsrts  his  duty,  and  denies  his  name. 

Nor 


O  N     N  O  B  I  L  I  T  Y.  195 

Nor  is't  enough,  tho'  to  no  bounds  confin'd. 
Your  cares  inflrucl,  or  bounties  blefs  mankind. 
'Tis  yours,  my  Lord,  with  various  ikill  to  trace. 
By  Hiftory's  clue,  the  ilacefman's  fubtle  maze ; 
Obferve  the  fprings  that  mov'd  each  nice  machine. 
Not  laid  too  open,  and  not  drawn  too  thin  ; 
From  Grecian  mines  bring  llerHng  treafures  home. 
And  grace  your  Britain  with  the  fpoils  of  Rome. 
But  chief  that  Britain's  gradual  rife  behold. 
The  changing  world's  reverfe,  from  lead  to  gold  : 
Happy  at  laft,  thro'  florms  in  freedom's  caufe. 
Thro'  fierce  prerogative,  and  trampled  lav/s. 
To  blend  fuch  feeming  inconfiftent  things. 
As  flrength  with  eafe,  and  liberty  with  kings. 
Know  too,  where  Europe's  wav'ring  fates  depend. 
What  ftates  can  injure,  and  what  ilates  defend. 
Their  flrength,  their  arts,  their  policies  your  own — 
And  then,  like  Pelham,  make  that  wifdom  known. 
Wake  ev'ry  latent  faculty  of  foul. 
Teach  from  your  lips  the  glowing  fenfe  to  roll. 
Till  lifl'ning  fenates  blefs  the  kind  alarm, 
Ccnvinc'd,  not  dazzled,  and  with  judgment  warm. 

Superior  talents,  on  the  great  beflovv'd. 
Are  heav'n's  peculiar  inflruments  of  good  : 
Not  for  the  few,  who  have  them,  are  defign'd  : 
What  flows  from  heav'n  mufl  flow  for  all  mankind. 
Blufli  then,  ye  peers,  who,  niggards  of  your  flore. 
Brood  o'er  the  fhining  heap,  not  make  it  more; 
Or  Wilmot  like,  at  fome  poor  fool's  expence. 
Squander  in  wit  the  facred  funds  of  fenfe. 

O  2  _  Wif. 


r^G         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Wirdom  alone  is  true  Ambition's  aiift, 
Wifdom  the  fource  of  virtue,  and  of  fame, 
Obtain'd  with  labour,  for  mankind  employ'd. 
And  then,  when  moft  you  fhare  it,  bell  cnjoy'd. 

See !  on  yon  fea-girt  ifle  the  goddefs  Hands, 
And  calls  her  vot'rys  with  applauding  hands  1 
They  pant,  they  flrain,  they  glow  thro'  dimes  unknown. 
With  added  flrength,  and  fpirits  not  their  own. 
Hark  !  what  loud  Ihouts  each  glad  arrival  hail ! 
How  full  fame's  fragrance  breathes  in  ev'ry  gale  ! 
How  tempting  nod  the  groves  for  ever  green  ! 
— "  But  tempeils  roar,  and  oceans  roll  between."— 
Yet  fee,  my  Lord,  your  friends  around  you  brave 
That  roaring  tempeil,.  and  contending  wave. 

See lab'ring  thro'  the  billowy  tide  ! 

See impatient  for  the  adverfe  fide  ! 

O  much-lov'd  youths  1  to  Britain  jufdy  dear. 
Her  fpring,  and  promife  of  a  fairer  year. 
Succefs  be  theirs,  whate'er  their  hopes  engage. 
Worth  grace  their  youth,  and  honours  crown  their  age.. 
And  ev'ry  warmeft  wiili  fuicere,  and  free. 
My  foul  e'er  breathes,  O ,  for  thee  \ 

Hard  is  your  Hated  talk  by  all  allow'd. 
And  modern  greatnefs  rarely  burlls  the  cloud. 
Lull'd  high  in  Fortune's  filken  lap,  you  feel 
No  fhocks,  nor  turns  of  her  uncertain  wheel : 
Amufements  dazzle,  weak  admirers  gaze. 
And  Hatt'ry  fooths,  and  indolence  betrays. 
Yet  ilill,  my  Lord,  on  happy  peers  attends 
That  noblefl  privilege,  to  chufe  their  friends ; 

The 


Ok      nobility.  397 

The  wife,  the  good  are  theirs,  their  call  obey  ; 
Jf  pride  refufe  not,  fortune  points  the  way. 
Nor  great  your  toils,  on  wifdom's  Teas,  compar'd 
With  theirs  who  fhift  the  fail,  or  wateh  the  card. 
For  you,  the  fages  every  depth  explore. 
For  you,  the  flaves  of  Science  ply  the  oar  ; 
And  Nature's  Genii  fly  with  fails  unfurl'd. 
The  Drake's  and  Raleigh's  of  the  mental  world. 

But  flay — too  long  mecr  Englifh  lays  detain 
Your  light-wing'd  thoughts,  that  ro\'e  beyond  the  main ; 
No  fancy'd  voyage  there  expefts  the  gale. 
No  allegoric  zephyr  fvvells  the  fail. 
—  Yet,  e'er  you  go,  e'er  Gallia's  pomp  invades 
The  milder  truths  of  Granta's  peaceful  ihades. 
This  verfe  at  leaft  be  yours,  and  boldly  tell. 
That  if  you  fall,  not  unadvis'd  you  fell ; 
But,  bleft  with  virtue  and  with  fenfe  adorn'd, 
A  willing  victim  of  the  fools  you  fcorn'd. 


tO  -i  AN 


3 


19S         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


AN  HYMN 


TO        THE 

NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL   SPRING.  175 1. 

"  Hinc  atque  hinc  vafts  rupes,  geminique  minantur 

'*  In  ccelum  fcopuli  j  turn  fylvis  fcena  corufcis 

*'  Defuper,  horrentiqueatrumNemusimminet  umbra. 

*'  Intus  j4^u<:e  dulcesj  vivoque  ledilia  faxo 

*'  Nympharum  domus!" —  Virg. 

TVTYMPH  of  the  fount !  from  whofe  aufpicious  urn 
•^^    Flows  Health,  flows  Strength,  and  Beauty's  ro- 

feate  bloom. 
Which  warms  the  virgin's  cheek,  thy  gifts  I  fmg  1 
Whether  inclining  from  thy  rocky  couch 
Thou  hear'il  attentive,  or  with  filler-nymphs 
Fad  by  Sabrina's  hoarfe-refounding  dream. 
Thou  cuim  freih  flowers,  regardlefs  of  my  fong. 

Avonia,  hear'fl:  thou,  from  the  neighb'ring  flream 
So  call'd  ;  or  Briiloduna  ;  or  the  found 
Well  known,  *  Vincentia  ?  Sithence  from  thy  rock 

*  Vincentia.l  The  fprlng  atBrlftolis  ufually  called  St.  Vincent's 
Well,  and  the  rocks  near  it  St.  Vincent'i  Rocks,  on  a  fabulous  tra- 
dirion  that  tha:  fain?  refided  therCi 

The 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING.    199 

I'he  hermit  pour'd  his  oriibns  of  old. 

And,  dying,  to  thy  fount  bcqueath'd  his  name. 

Whate'er  thy  title,  thee  the  azure  god 
Of  ocean  erfl  beheld,  and  to  the  fhore 
Fall  flew  his  pearly  car ;  th'  obfequious  winds 
Drop'd  their  light  pinions,  and  no  founds  were  heard 
In  earth,  air,  fea,  but  murmuring  fighs  of  love. 
He  left  thee  then ;  yet  not,  penurious,  left 
Without  a  boon  the  violated  maid  ; 
But,  grateful  to  thy  worth,  with  bounteous  hand 
Gave  thee  to  pour  the  falutary  rill. 
And  pay  this  precious  tribute  to  the  main^ 
*  And  Hill  he  viiits,  faithful  to  his  flame. 
Thy  moiil  abode,  and  each  returning  tide 
Mingles  his  wave  with  thine;  hence  brackifli  oft 
And  foul,  we  fly  th'  adulterated  draught 
And  fcorn  the  profl^er'd  bev'rage  ;  thoughtlefs  we. 
That  then  thy  Naiads  hymena[;al3  chaunt. 
And  rocks  re-echo  to  the  Triton's  fliell. 

Love  warm'd  thy  breaft  ;  to  love  thy  waters  pay 
A  kind  regard  :  and  thence  the  pallid  maid 
Who  pines  in  fancy  for  fome  fav'rite  youth 
Drinks  in  new  luftre,  and  with  furer  aim 
Parts  more  enliven'd  glances.     Thence  the  boy. 
Who  mourns  in  fecret  the  polluted  charms 

*  Andftlllhevijits,  &c.]  The  high  tides  in  the  Avon  gene- 
rally foul  the  fpring  in  fuch  a  manner  as  to  make  the  waters  impro- 
per to  be  drank  till  fome  hours  afterward. 

O4  Of 


200         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Of  Lais  or  Corinna,  grateful  feels 

Health's  warm  return,  and  pants  for  purer  joys. 

Nor  youth  alone  thy  power  indulgent  owns ; 
Age  fhares  thy  bleilings,  and  the  tott'ring  frame 
By  thee  fupported  :  not,  Tithonus-like, 
To  linger  in  decay,  and  daily  feel 
A  death  in  every  pain  ;  fuch  cruel  aids. 
Unknown  to  Nature,  Art  alone  can  lend  : 
But,  taught  by  thee,  life's  latter  fruits  enjoy 
A  warmer  winter,  and  at  lad  fall  off. 
Shook  by  no  boiiVrous,  or  untimely  blafls. 

But  why  on  fmgle  objects  dwells  my  fong  ? 
Wide  as  the  neighb'rLng  fons  of  Commerce  waft 
Their  unexhauiled  ftores,  to  every  clime 
On  every  wind  up-born  thy  triumphs  fpread  ! 
Thee  the  glad  merchant  hails.  Whom  choice  or  fate 
Leads  to  fome  diftant  home,  v*'here  Sirius  reigns. 
And  the  blood  boils  with  many  a  fell  difeafe 
Which  Albion  knows  not.     Thee  the  fable  wretch^ 
To  eafe  whofe  burning  entrails  fwells  in  vain 
The  citron's  dewy  moiflure,  thee  he  hails ; 
And  oft  from  fome  fteep  cliff  at  early  dawn 
In  feas,  in  winds,  or  the  vaft  void  of  heaven 
Thy  power  unknown  adores  ;  or  ranks,  perhaps. 
Amid  his  fabled  gods  Avonia's  name. 

Scar'd  at  thy  prefence  ftart  the  train  of  Death, 
And  hide  their  whips  and  fcorpions.     Thee  confus'd 
Slow  Febris  creeps  from  ;  thee  the  meagre  fiend 

Con- 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING.     201 

Confamption  files,  and  checks  his  rattling  coughs. 
But  chief  the  dread  dilbale,  whofe  wai'ry  power, 
Curb'd  by  thy  wave  rellringent,  knows  its  bounds. 
And  feels  a  firmer  barrier.     Ocean  thus 
Once  flow'd,  they  fay,  impetuous ;  'till,  reflrain'd 
By  force  almighty,  (beams  were  taught  to  flow 
In  narrower  channels,  and  once  more  relieve 
I'he  tliirlly  hind,  and  wafli  the  fruicful  vale. 

What  ihrieks,  what  groans,  torment  the  lab'ring  air. 
And  pierce  th'  ailoniili'd  hearer  r  ah,  behold 
Yon  agonizing  wretch,  that  pants  and  writhes, 
Rack'd  with  the  ftone,  and  calls  on  thee  for  eafe  ! 
Nor  calls  he  long  in  vain ;  the  balmy  draught 
Has  done  its  office,  and  reijgn*d  and  calm 
The  poor  pale  fufFerer  ilnks  to  fvveet  repofe. 
O  could  thy  lenient  wave  thus  charm  to  peace 
That  fiercer  fiend  Ill-nature  ;   Argus -like, 
Whofe  eyes  ilill  open  watch  th'  unwary  fteps 
Which  tread  thy  margin,  and  whofe  fubtle  brain 
To  real  mifchlef  turns  ideal  ilL  ! 
But  not  thy  flream  ne^lareous,  nor  the  fmiles 
Of  rofy-dimpled  Innocence,  can  charm 
That  monfter's  rage  :  dark,  dark  as  midnight  damps. 
And  cen  times  deadlier,  flcals  along  unfeen 
Her  blafting  venom,  and  devours  at  once 
Fair  Virtue's  growth,  and  Beauty's  blooming  fpring. 

But  turn  we  from  the  fight,  and  dive  beneath 
Thy  darkfome  caverns ;  or  unwearied  climb 

Thy 


ao2  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Thy  tow'ring  mountains,  fludious  to  explore 
The  latent  feeds  and  magazines  of  health. 

*'  Ye  rocks  that  round  me  rife,  ye  pendant  woods 
High  waving  to  the  breeze,  ye  gliding  ftreams 
That  Heal  in  filence  thro'  the  mofly  clefts 
Unnumber'd,  tell  me  in  what  fecret  vale 
Hygeia  fhuns  the  day? — O,  often  feen 
In  dreams  poetic,  pour  thy  radiant  form 
Full  on  my  fight,  and  blefs  my  waking  fenfe !— ' 
But  not  to  me  fuch  vifions,  not  to  me ; 
No  fon  of  Pseon  I,  like  that  fvveet  bard 
*  W.ho  fung  her  charms  profeil ;  f  or  him,  whofeMufe 
Now  builds  the  lofty  rhymxC,  and  nobly  wild 
Crops  each  unfading  flower  from  Pindar's  brow. 
To  form  frefh  garlands  for  the  Naiad  train. 

Yet  will  I  view  her  flill,  however  coy. 
In  dreams  poetic ;  fee  her  to  the  found 
Of  dulcet  fymphonies  harmonious  lead 
Her  fportive  fifter-Graces,  Mirth  ferene. 
And  Peace,  fweet  inmate  of  the  fylvan  ftiade. 

Thefe  are  thy  handmaids,  goddefs  of  the  fount. 
And  thefe  thy  offspring.     Oft  have  I  beheld 
Their  airy  revels  on  the  verdant  fleep 

*  Who  Jung  her  charmi  prof ejl.']  Dr.  Armllrong,  author  of  that 
elegant  didaflic  poem,  called  *'  The  Art  of  preferving  Health." 

-|-  Or  him  ivbofe  Mufe»'\  Alluding  to  a  manufcript  poem  of  Dr. 
Akenfide's  (fince  pubiiihed)  written  in  the  fpirit  and  manner  of  the 
ancients,  called,  "  An  H)mn  Cb  the  Water  Nymphs," 

Of 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING.    203 

Of  Avon,  dear  as  Farxy's  eye  could  paint. 

What  time  the  dewy  liar  of  eve  invites 

To  lonely  mufing,  by  the  v/ave-worn  beach. 

Along  the  extended  mead.     Nor  lefs  intent 

Their  fairy  forms  I  view,  when  from  the  height 

Of  Clifton,  tovv'ring  mount,  th'  enraptur'd  eye 

Beholds  the  cultivated  profpecft  rife 

Hill  above  hill,  with  many  a  verdant  bound 

Of  hedge-row  chequer'd.     Now  on  painted  clouds 

Sportive  they  roll,  or  down  yon  winding  llream 

Give  their  light  mantles  to  the  wafting  wind. 

And  join  the  fea-green  fillers  of  the  flood. 

Happy  the  man  whom  thefe  amulive  walks, 
Thefe  waking  dreams  delight  !  no  cares  moleft 
His  vacant  bofom  :   Solitude  itfelf 
But  opens  to  his  keener  view  new  worlds. 
Worlds  of  his  own  :  from  every  genuine  {cene 
Of  Nature's  varying  hand  his  adlive  mind 
Takes  fire  at  once,  and  his  full  foul  o'erflows 
W^ith  heaven's  own  bounteous  joy  ;  he  too  creates. 
And  with  new  beings  peoples  earth  and  air. 
And  ocean's  deep  domain.     The  bards  of  old. 
The  godlike  Grecian  bards,  from  fuch  fair  founts 
Drank  infpiration.     Kence  on  airy  clifts 
Light  fatyrs  danc'd,  along  the  woodland  fhade 
Pan's  myftic  pipe  refounded,  and  each  rill 
Confefs'd  its  tutelary  power,  Hke  thine. 

But  not  like  thine,  bright  deity,  their  urns 
Pour'd  Health's  rare  treafures ;  on  their  graffy  fides 

The 


204  WHITEHEAD'S    POEM  S. 

The  panting  Twain  reclin'd  with  his  tir'd  flock 
At  f^iltry  noon-tide,  or  at  evening  led 
Kis  unyok'd  heifers  to  the  common  ilream. 

Yet  fome  there  have  been,  and  there  are,  like  thee 
rrofufe  of  liquid  balm  ;  from  the  fair  train 
*  Of  eldeil  Tadmor,  where  the  fapient  king 
For  the  faint  traveller,  and  difeas'd,  confin'd 
To  falutary  baths  the  fugitive  ftream. 
And  iljll,  tho'  now  perhaps  their  power  unknown, 
Unfought,  the  folitary  waters  creep 
Amid  *  Palmyra's  ruins,  and  bewail 
To  rock";,  and  def^rt  caves,  the  mighty  lofs 
Of  two  imperial  cities !  fo  may  iink 
Yon  cloud-envelop'd  towers ;  and  times  to  come 
Enquire  where  Avon  fiow'd,  and  the  proud  mari 
Of  BriHol  rofe.     Nay,  Severn's  felf  may  fail. 
With  all  thar  walle  of  waters  :  and  the  fwain 
From  the  tall  fummit  (whence  vve  now  furvey 
The  anchoring  bark,  and  fee  with  every  tide 
Pafs  and  re-pafs  the  wealth  of  either  world) 
May  hail  the  fofter  fcene  where  groves  afpii-e. 
And  bofom'd  villages,  and  golden  fields 
.Unite  the  Cambrian  to  the  Engliih  fhore. 

*  Eldejl  Tadfxcr.']  Tadmor  in  the  wlldernefs,  buiit  by  king 
Solomon,  celebrated  for  its  baths. 

-|-  Falnyras  ruins.^  Palmyra  is  generally  allowed  to  have  ftooi 
^n  the  fame  fpot  of  ground  as  Tadmor.  See  the  Univerfal  Hiftory, 
vol.  ii.  oft.  edit,  wheie  is  a  print  reprefentjng  the  ruins  of  that  city. 

Why 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING.     105 

\Vhy  ihould  I  mention  many  a  fabled  fount 

By  bards  recorded,  or  hillorians  old ; 

Whether  they  water'd  AHa's  fertile  plains 

With  foft  ^  Callirrhoe ;  or  to  letter'd  Greece 

Or  warlike  Latium  lent  their  kindly  aid  ? 

Nor  ye  of  modern  fame,  whofe  rills  defcend 

From  Alps  and  Appep.nines,  or  grateful  lave 

Germania's  harafs'd  realms,  expecl  my  verfe 

Should  chaunt  your  praife,  and  dwell  on  foreign  themes  j 

When  chief  o'er  Albion  have  the  healing  powers 

Shed  wide  their  infiuence  :  from  a  thoufand  rocks 

Health  gufhe^,  thro'  a  thoufand  vales  it  flows 

Spontaneous.     Scarce  can  luxury  produce 

More  pale  difeafes  than  her  Hreams  relieve. 

Witnefs,  Avonia,  the  unnumbered  tongues 
Which  hail  thy  f  iiiler's  name  !  on  the  fame  banks 
Your  fountains  rile,  to  the  fame  ilream  they  flow. 
See  in  what  myriads  to  her  Vv'atry  fhrine 
The  various  votaries  prefs  !   they  drink,  they  live  ! 
Not  more  exultincr  crowds  in  the  full  height 
Of  Roman  luxury  proud  Baise  knew  ; 
Ere  X  Mufa's  fatal  fiiill,  fatal  to  Rome, 

*  ff^ifb  foft  Caltirrho'J.J  A  fountain  in  Judea  beyond  Jordan, 
which  empties  itfelf  into  the  lake  Afphaltes.  Irs  waters  ware  not 
oaly  medicinal,  but  remarkably  loft  aad  agreeable  to  the  tafte.  Ke- 
roi  the  Great  made  ufe  of  dism  in  his  lait  dreadful  diilemper.  Jo- 
feohus,  1.  xvii.  c.  8. 

f  Bath. 

J  Mufas  fatal  JklL'\  Anton' us  M  a  fa,  phyfician  to  Augufrus 
Cjcfar,  was  the  firft  who  brought  coid  bathing  into  great  repute  at 

Defam'd 


io6         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Defam'd  the  tepid  wave.     Nor  *  round  thy  (hades, 
Clitumnus,  more  recording  trophies  hang. 

O  for  a  Shakefpear's  pencil,  while  I  trace 
In  Nature's  breathing  paint,  the  dreary  wafte 
Of  Buxton,  droppirig  with  inceiTant  rains 
Cold  and  ungeniai  ;  or  its  fweet  reverfe 
Enchanting  Matlock,  from  whofe  rocks  like  thine 
Romantic  foliage  hangs,  and  rills  defcend. 
And  echoes  murmur.     Derwent,  as  he  pours 
His  oft  obitrufted  ilream  down  rough  cafcades 
And  broken  precipices,  views  with  awe. 
With  rapture,  the  fair  fc;ne  his  waters  form. 

Nor  yet  has  Nature  to  one  fpot  confia'd 
Her  frugal  bleffings.     Many  a  different  fite 

Rome.  But  the  fame  prefcription  which  had  faved  Auguftus,  un- 
happily killed  Marcellus.  Horace  defcribes  the  inhabitants  of  Ba'iae 
as  very  uneafy  at  this  new  method  of  proceeding  in  phyfic  : 

— "  Mihi  Baias 
**  Mufa  fupervacuas  Antonius,  et  tamen  ;//ij 
*'  Me  fac'it  ini'ijiim  gelida  dum  perluor  unda 
*'  Per  medium  frigus.     Sane  rryrteta  rdlnqui 
«*  Diclaque  ceHantem  nervis  eiidere  morbum 
**  Sulfura  contemni  V'lcus  gemit  ;  invidus  agris 
**  Qui  caput  aut  ftomachum  fupponere  fontibus  audent,"  &c. 

*  — Round  thy  JhadeSy 

CihuTr.rius, ] 

See  a  beautiful  defcription  of  the  fource  of  this  river  in  Pliny's  Epi- 
ftles,  Ep.  8.  Book  viii.  where  he  mentions  it  asacuftom  for  perfons 
to  leave  infer; ptions,  Src.  as  tefti monies  of  their  being  cured  there  j 
foixiething  in  the  manner  of  the  crutches  at  bath. 

And 


\ 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING,    ^o^ 

And  different  air,  to  fuit  man's  varying  frame 
The  fame  relief  extends.     Thus  Chehenham  fmks 
Rural  and  calm  amid  the  flowery  vale, 
Pleas'd  with  its  paftoral  fcencs ;  while  Scarbro'  lifts 
Its  towering  fummits  to  th'  afpiring  clouds. 
And  fees  th'  unbounded  ocean  roll  beneath. 

Avonia  frowns  !  and  juftly  may'ft  thou  frown 
O  Goddefs,  on  the  bard,  th'  injurious  bard. 
Who  leaves  thy  pi£lur'd  fcenes,  and  idly  roves 
For  foreign  beauty  to  adorn  his  fong. 
Thine  is  all  beauty ;  every  fite  is  thine. 
Thine  the  fweet  vale,  and  verdure-crowned  mead 
Slow  riling  from  the  plain,  which  Cheltenham  boafls. 
Thine  Scarbro's  chfts  ^  and  thine  the  ruflet  heaths 
Of  fandy  Tunbridge  ;  o'er  thy  fpacious  downs 
Stray  wide  the  nibbling  flocks ;  the  hunter  train 
May  range  thy  forelb  ;  and  the  mufe-led  youth. 
Who  loves  the  devious  walk,  and  fimple  fcene. 
May  in  thy  Kingfwood  view  the  fcatter'd  cots 
And  the  green  wilds  of  Dulwich.     Does  the  fun. 
Does  the  free  air  delight  ?  lo  I   Clifton  ftands 
Courted  by  every  breeze  ;  and  evey  fun 
There  fheds  a  kinder  ray ;  whether  he  rides 
In  fouthern  (kies  fublime,  or  mildly  pours 
O'er  Briftol's  red'n'ng  towers  his  orient  beam. 
Or  gilds  at  eve  the  flirub-clad  rocks  of  Ley. 
Beneath  thy  mountains  open  to  the  fouth 
Pale  Sicknefs  fits,  and  drinks  th'  enlivening  day; 
Nor  fears  th'  innumerable  pangs  which  pierce 

In 


4o8  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

In  keener  anguifn  from  ihe  north,  or  load 
The  dulky  pinions  of  the  peevifh  eafr. 
Secure  (he  fits,  and  from  thy  facred  urn 
Implores,  and  finds  relief.     The  flacken'd  nerves 
Refume  their  wonted  tone,  of  every  wind 
And  every  feafon  patient.     Jocund  tlealth 
Blooms  on  the  cheek  ;  and  carelefs  Youth  returns 
(As  fortune  wills)  to  pleafure  or  to  toil. 

Yet  think  not,  Goddefs,  that  the  Mufe  afcribes 
To  thee  unfiling  ilrength,  offeree  to  wreil 
Th'  uplifted  bolts  of  fate  ;  to  Jove  alone 
Belongs  that  high  pre-eminence.     Full  off. 
This  feeling  heart  can  witntfs,  have  I  heard 
Along  thy  fnore  the  piercing  cries  rcfound 
Of  widows  and  of  orphans.     Oft  beheld 
The  folemn  funeral  pomp,  and  decent  rites. 
Which  human  vanity  receives  and  pays 
When  dull  returns  to  duft.     Where  Nature  fails. 
There  too  thy  power  m.uft  fail ;  or  only  lend 
A  momentary  aid  to  foften  pain. 
And  from  the  King  of  terrors  Ileal  his  frown. 

Nor  yet  for  waters  only  art  thou  fam'd, 
Avonia ;  deep  v,  ithin  thy  cai'ern'd  rocks 
Do  diamonds  lurk,  v.hich  mimick  thofe  of  Ind. 
Some  to  the  curious  fearcher's  eye  betray 
Their  varying  hues  amid  the  mofTy  clefts 
Faint  glimmering ;  others  in  the  folid  llone 
Lie  quite  obfcur'd,  and  wait  the  patient  hand 


Of 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING.    209 

Of  art,  or  quick  explofion's  fiercer  breath. 
To  wake  their  latent  glories  into  day. 
With  thefe  the  Britifh  fair,  ere  traffic's  power 
Had  made  the  wealth  of  other  worlds  our  own. 
Would  deck  their  auburn  trefles,  or  confine 
The  fnowy  roundnefs  of  their  polifh'd  arm. 
With  thefe  the  little  tyrants  of  the  ifle^ 
Monarchs  of  counties,  or  of  clay-built  towns 
Sole  potentates,  would  bind  their  haughty  brows, 
And  awe  the  gazing  croud.     Say,  Goddefs,  fay. 
Shall,  ftudious  of  thy  praife,  the  Mufe  declare 
When  firll  their  luflre  rofe,  and  what  kind  power 
Unveil'd  their  hidden  charms  ?  The  Mufe  alone 
Cati  call  back  time,  and  from  oblivion  fave 
The  once-known  tale,  of  which  tradition's  felf 
Has  loft  the  fainteft  memory.     'Twas  ere 
The  titles  proud  of  Knight  or  Baron  bold 
Were  known  in  Albion  ;  long  ere  Caefar's  arms 
Had  tried  its  prowefs,  and  been  taught  to  yield. 
Weilward  a  mile  from  yon  afpiring  Ihrubs 
Which  front  thy  hallow'd  fount,  and  fhagg  with  thorns 
The  adverfe  fide  of  Avon,  dwelt  a  fvvain. 
One  only  daughter  blefs'd  his  nuptial  bed. 
Fair  was  the  maid  ;  but  wherefore  faid  I  fair  ? 
For  many  a  maid  is  fair,  but  Leya's  form 
Was  Beauty's  fclf,  where  each  united  charm 
Ennobled  each,  and  added  grace  to  all. 
Yet  cold  as  mountain  fnows  her  tim'rous  heart 
Rejects  the  voice  of  love.     In  vain  the  fire 
With  prayers,  v/ith  mingled  tears,  demanded  oft 
Vol.  LXXII.  P  The 


aio         WHITEHEAD'S    P  O  E  M  S. 

The  name  of  grandfire,  and  a  prattling  race 

To  chcar  his  drooping  age.     In  vain  the  youths 

To  Leya's  fa v 'rite  name  in  every  dale 

Attun'd  their  rulHc  pipes,  to  Leya's  ear 

Mufic  was  difcord  when  it  talk'd  of  love. 

And  fliall  fuch  beauty,  and  fuch  power  to  blefs. 

Sink  ufelcfs  to  the  grave  !  forbid  it.  Love  1 

Forbid  it.  Vanity  !  ye  mighty  two 

Who  fhare  the  female  breafl !  the  lad  prevails. 

**  Whatever  youth  ihall  bring  the  nobleil  prize 

**  May  claim  her  conquer'd  heart."    The  day  was  fix'd. 

And  forth  from  villages,  and  turf-built  cots. 

In  crouds  the  fuitors  came  :  from  Afhton's  vale. 

From  Pil,  from  Porfhut,  and  the  town  whofe  tower 

Now  ftands  a  fea-mark  to  the  pilots  ken. 

Nor  were  there  wanting  Clifton^s  love-fick  fons 

To  fwell  th'  enamor'd  train.     But  moft  in  thought 

Yielded  to  Gadvval's  heir,  proud  lord  of  Stoke  ; 

Whofe  wide  dominions  fpread  o'er  velvet  lawns 

And  gently -fwelling  hills,  and  tufted  groves. 

Full  many  a  mile.     For  there,  ev'n  then,  the  fcene 

We  now  behold  to  fuch  perfection  vyrought, 

Charm'd  with  untutor'd  wildnefs,  and  but  afk'd 

A  mailer's  hand  to  tame  it  into  grace. 

Againil  fuch  rivals,  prodigal  of  wealth. 
To  venal  beauty  off'riag  all  their  llores. 
What  arts  fnall  Thenot  ufe,  who  long  has  lov'd. 
And  long,  too  lorg  dtrfpair'd  .?  Amid  thy  rocks 
Nightly  he  wanders,  to  the  fileit  moon 

And 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING.    211 

And  ftarry  hoft  of  heaven  he  tells  his  pain. 
But  chief  to  thee,  to  thee  his  fond  complaints 
At  morn,  at  eve,  and  in  tJie  midnight  hour 
Frequent  he  pours.     No  wealth  p£.ternal  blefs'd 
His  humbler  birth  j  no  fields  of  waving  gold 
Or  flowering  orchards,  no  wide-wandering  herda 
Or  bleating  firlUings  of  the  flock  were  his. 
To  tempt  the  wary  maid.     Yet  could  his  pipe 
Make  echoes  liflen,  and  his  flowing  tongue 
Could  chaunt  foft  ditties  in  fo  (-vveet  a  llrain. 
They  charm 'd  with  native  muiic  all  but  her. 

Oft  had'fl:  thou  hear'd  him,  goddefs ;  oft  refolv'd 
To  fuccour  his  diilrefs.     When  now  the  day 
The  fatal  day  drew  near,  and  love's  lalt  hope 
Hung  on  a  few  (hort  moments.     Ocean's  god 
Was  with  thee,  and  obferv'd  thy  anxious  thought. 
'^  And  what,  he  cry'd,  can  make  Avonia's  face 
Wear  aught  but  fmiles  ?  what  jealous  doubts  perplex 
My  fair,  my  befl  belov'd  ?"  **  No  jealous  doubts. 
Thou  anfwered'ft  mild,  and  on  his  breaft  reclin'd 
Thy  blufhing  cheek,  perplex  Avonia's  breaft  : 
A  cruel  fair  one  flies  the  voice  of  love. 
And  gifts  alone  can  v/in  her.     Migh:y  Power, 
O  bid  thy  Tritons  ranfack  Ocean's  wealth, 
The  coral's  living  branch,  the  lucid  pearl, ^ 
And  every  fhell  where  mingling  lights  and  ihades 
Play  happieft.     O,  if  ever  to  thy  breaft 
My  artful  coynefs  gave  a  moment's  pain. 
Learn  from  that  pain  to  pity'thofe  that  love." 

P  2  The 


4r»         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

The  God  retum'd  :  *'  Can  his  Avonia  aflc 
What  Neptune  would  refufe  ?  beauty  like  thine 
Mi^ht  tafk  his  utmoft  labours.     But  behold 
How  n^edlefs  now  his  treafurei  !  what  thou  feek'il 
Is  rear  thee  ;  in  the  bofom  of  thy  rocks 
Myriads  of  glittering  gems,  of  power  to  charm 
More  warv  eves  than  Leva's,  lurk  unfeen. 
From  thefe  feled  thy  ilore."     He  fpake,  and  rais'd 
The  mafTy  trident ;  at  whofe  llroke  the  womb 
Of  Earth  gave  up  its  treafures.     Ready  nymphs 
Receiv'd  the  burlUng  gems,  and  Tritons  lent 
A  happier  polifh  to  th'  encrufled  ilone. 

Scarce  had  they  finifh'd,  when  the  plaintive  llrains 
Of  Thenot  reach'd  thy  ears.    *•  Approach,  approach,'* 
The  trident-bearer  cried  :  and  at  his  voice 
The  rocks  divided,  and  the  awe  -llruck  youth 
(Like  Ariilsus  thro'  the  parting  wave) 
Defcended  trembling.     But  what  words  can  paint 
His  joy,  his  rapture,  when,  furprife  at  length 
Yielding  to  love,  he  grafp'd  the  fated  gems. 
And  knew  their  wond'rous  import.     •'  O  1  he  cried, 
Difmifs  me,  gracious  Powers  ;  ere  this,  perhaps, 
Young  Gadwal  clafps  her  charms,  ere  this  the  wealth 
Of  Madcc  has  prevail'd  !" — *'  Go,  youth,  and  know 
Succefs  attends  thy  enterprize ;  and  time 
Shall  tnake  thee  wealthier  than  the  proudeft  fwaia 
Whole  rivalfliip  thou  fear'il ;  go,  and  be  bleft. 
Yet  let  not  gratitude  be  loft  in  joy  ; 
Eut  when  thy  wide  poiTeiHons  Ihall  extend 

Farm 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING.    213 

Farm  beyond  farm,  remember  whence  they  rofe. 
And  grace  thy  village  with  Avonia's  name." 

How  fhall  the  blufhing  Mufe  purfue  the  tale 
Impartial,  and  record  th'  ungrateful  crime 
Of  rhenot  love-deluded  ?  When  fuccefs 
Had  crown'd  his  fierce  defires,  awhile  he  paid 
Due  honours  at  thy  fhrine,  and  ftrew'd  with  flowers 
Jafmin  and  rofe,  and  iris  many-hued. 
The  rocky  margin.     'Till  at  length,  intent 
On  Leva's  charms  alone,  of  aught  befide 
Carclefs  he  grew  ;  and  fcarcely  row  his  hymns 
Of  praife  were  heard  ;  if  heard,  they  fondly  mix'4 
His  Leya's  praife  with  thine;  or  only  feem'd 
The  dying  echoes  of  his  former  ftrains. 
Nor  did  he  (how  v,'ilt  thou  excufe,  O  Love, 
Thy  traitor  :)   when  his  wide  poiTeffions  fpread. 
Farm  beyond  farm,  remember  whence  they  rofe. 
Or  grace  his  village  v,'ith  Avonia's  name. 
But  on  a  feftal  day,  amid  the  fhouts 
Of  echoing  ihepherds,  to  the  rifmg  town 
"  Be  Leya  nam'd,"  he  cried :  and  Hill  unchang'd 
(Indelible  difgrace  I)   *  the  name  remains. 

'Twas  then,  Avonia,  negligent  of  all 
His  former  injuries,  thy  heav'nly  breafl 
Felt  real  rage  ;  and  thrice  thy  arm  was  rais'd 
For  fpeedy  vengeance  ;  thrice  the  azure  god 

*  T'he  name  rematin.'\      Ley,  or  Leigh,  a  fmall  village  on  tlic  op- 
pofite  fide  of  thv?  Avon,  mentioned  before,  p.  207, 

P  3  fie. 


2T4         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Reftrain'd  its  force,  or  ere  th'  uplifted  rocks 

Defccnding  had  o'erwhelm'd  the  fated  town. 

And  thus  he  footh'd  thee,  **  Let  not  rage  tranfport 

My  injur'd  fair-one  ;  love  was  all  his  ciirne, 

Refiftlefs  love.     Yet  fure  revenge  awaits 

Thy  utmoft  wifhes ;  never  fhall  his  town. 

Which,  had  thy  title  grac'd  it,  had  afpir'd 

To  the  firft  naval  honours,  and  look'd  down 

On  Carthage  and  the  ports  which  grace  my  own 

Phoenicia,  never  fhall  it  rife  beyond 

That  humble  village  thou  behold'ft  it  now. 

And  foon  tranfported  to  the  Britifh  coaft 

From  farthell  India  vefTcls  fhall  arrive 

Full  fraught  with  gems,  myfelf  will  fpeed  the  fail?. 

And  all  th'  imaginary  wealth  he  boafls 

Shall  fmk  neglefted  :  ruftics  fhall  deride 

Kis  diamond's  mimic  blaze.     Nor  thou  regret 

Their  perifh'd  fplendor ;  on  a  firmer  bafe 

Thv  glory  refts  ;  rejefl  a  fpurious  praife. 

And  to  thy  waters  only  trull  for  fame." 

And  what  of  fame,  O  Goddefs,  canft  thou  a/fe 
Beyond  thy  waters,  ever-flreaming  fource 
Of  health  to  thoufands  ?  Myriads  yet  unborn 
Shall  hail  thy  fofi'ring  wave  :  perchance  to  thee 
Shall  owe  their  firft  exigence.     For,  if  fame 
Relate  not  fabling,  the  warm  genial  breath 
Of  nature,  which  calls  forth  the  burfling  forms 
Through  wide  creation,  and  with  various  life 
fills  eyery  teeming  element,  amid 

Thy 


To  THE  NYMPH  OF  BRISTOL  SPRING.    115 

Thv  ftream  delighted  revels,  with  increafe 
Bbfiing  the  nuptial  bed.     Suppliant  to  tiiee 
The  penfive  matron  bends ;  without  thy  aid 
Expiring  Bmilies  had  aflcM  in  vain 
The  long-expeited  heir ;  ajid  ftates  perhaps. 
Which  now  iland  foremoii  in  the  lills  of  fame. 
Had  funk  unnerv'd,  inglorious,  the  vile  flaves 
Of  {loth,  and  crouch 'd  beneath  a  mailer's  frown. 
Had  not  thy  breath  awak'd  feme  chofcn  foul. 
Some  finer  ccther,  fcarce  ally'd  to  clay. 
Hero  to  adl,  or  poet  to  record. 

O  if  to  Albion,  to  mv  native  land. 
Of  all  that  glorious,  that  immortal  train 
Which  fwells  her  annals,  thy  prolific  ftream 
Has  given  one  bard,  one  hero  ;  may  nor  llorms 
Nor  earthquakes  (hake  thy  manfion  ;  may  the  fweep. 
The  filent  fweep,  of  ilow-devouring  time 
Steal  o'er  thy  rocks  unfelt,  and  only  bear 
To  future  worlds  thy  virtues,  and  thy  praife. 

Still,  flill,  Avonia,  o'er  thy  Albion  ihed 
Benigneft  influence  ;  nor  to  her  alone 
Confine  thy  partial  boon.     The  lamp  of  day, 
God  of  the  lower  world,  was  meant  to  all 
A  common  parent.     Still  to  ev^ry  realm 
Send  forth  thy  bleffings ;  for  to  every  realm. 
Such  its  peculiar  excellence,  thy  wave 
IvJay  pafs  untainted ;  feafons,  climates,  Ipare 

?  i  Us 


ai6  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS, 

Its  virtues,  and  the  power  which  conquers  all. 
Innate  corruption,  never  mixes  there. 

And  might  I  aik  a  boon,  in  whifpers  afk 
One  partial  favour  ;   Goddefs,  from  the  power 
Of  verfe,  and  arts  Paeonian,  gracious  thou 
Intreat  this  one.     Let  other  poets  fhare 
His  noify  honours,  rapid  let  them  roll 
As  neighb'ring  Severn,  while  the  voice  of  fame 
Re-echoes  to  their  numbers  ;  but  let  mine 
My  humbler  weaker  verfe,  from  fcantier  rills 
Difrufmg  wholefome  draughts,  unheard,  unfeen,, 
Ghde  gently  on,  and  imitate  thy  fpring. 


ON 


[     *I7     ] 


ON      FRIENDSHIP. 


cr 


L*Amitlc,  qui  dans  le  monde  eft  a  p^ine  un  fend* 
ment,  eA  une  paiuon  dans  les  cloitres." 

Coiues  I\Ioraux,  de  PvIarmontel, 

TV  /T  U  C  H  have  we  heard  the  peevifh  world  complain 
'*■''*-     Of  friends  neglecfled,  and  of  friends  forgot : 
Another's  frailties  blindly  we  arraign. 

And  blame,  as  partial  ills,  the  common  lot  : 
For  what  is  Frijndlhip  ? — 'Tis  the  facred  de 

Of  fouls  unbodied,  and  of  love  refm'd  ; 
Beyond,  Benevolence,  thy  fecial  dgh. 

Beyond  the  duties  graven  on  our  kind. 
And  ^h  how  feldom,  in  this  vale  of  tears. 

This  frail  exiilence,  by  ojrfelves  debas'd. 
In  hopes  bewUder'd,  or  fubdued  by  fears. 

The  joys  unmix'd  of  mutual  good  we  tafte  I 
Proclaim,  ye  reverend  Sires,  waom  Fate  has  fpar'd 

As  life's  example,  and  as  virtue's  teft, 
How  few,  how  very  few,  your  hearts  have  fhar'd. 

How  rnuch  thofe  hearts  have  pardon'cl  in  the  bell. 
Vain  is  their  claim  whom  heedlefs  pleafure  joins 

In  bands  of  riot,  or  in  leagues  of  vice  ; 
They  meet,  they  revel,  as  the  day  declines, 

^\ii,  fpcdre  like,  they  fnudder  at  its  rife. 

For 


itS  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

For  'tis  not  Frlendfhip,  tho*  the  raptures  run. 

Led  by  the  mad'ning  God,  thro'  every  vein  ; 
Lit^e  the  warm  flower,  which  drinks  the  noon-tide  fun. 

Their  bofoms  open  but  to  clcfe  again. 
Yet  there  are  hours  of  mirth,  which  Friendihip  loves. 

When  Prudence  ileeps,  and  Wifdom  grows  more  kind. 
Sallies  of  fenie,  which  Reafon  fcarce  approves. 

When  all  unguarded  glows  the  naked  mind. 
.But  far  from  thofe  be  each  profaner  eye 

With  glance  malignant  withering  fancy's  bloom  ; 
Far  the  vi'e  ear,  where  whifpers  never  die  ; 

Far  the  rank  heart,  which  teems  with  ills  to  come. 
Full  oft,  by  fortune  near  each  other  plac'd, 

Ill-fjrted  fouls,  nor  ftudious  much  to  pleafe. 
Whole  fruitlefs  years  in  awkward  union  wafte, 

*Till  chance  divides,  whom  chance  had  join'd,  with 
eafe. 
And  yet,  fhould  either  oddly  foar  on  high. 

And  fhine  diftinguifh'd  in  fome  fphere  remov'd. 
The  friend  obferves  him  with  a  jealous  eye. 

And  calls  ungrateful  whom,  he  never  lov'd. 
3ut  leave  we  fuch  for  thofe  of  happier  clay 

On  whcfe  emerging  ftars  the  Graces  fmile, 
^nd  fearch  for  truth,  where  Virtue's  facred  ray 

W^akes  the  giad  feed  in  Friendlhip's  genuine  foil. 
In  youth's  foft  feafon,  when  the  vacant  mind 

To  each  kind  impulfe  of  affeiftion  yields. 
When  Nature  charms,  and  love  of  humankind 

With  its  own  brightnefs  every  objed  gilds. 

Should 


OnFRIENDSHIP.  2ty 

Should  two  congenial  bofoms  haply  meet. 

Or  on  the  banks  of  Camus,  hoary  Itream, 
Or  where  fmooth  Jfis  glides  on  filver  feet, 

Nurfe  of  the  Mufes  each,  and  each  tiieir  theme. 
How  bhth  the  niutual  morning  talk  they  ply  ! 

How  fweet  the  faunt'rlng  walk  at  clofe  of  day  ! 
How  Ileal,  fecluded  from  the  world's  broad  eye. 

The  midnight  hours  infenfibly  away  ! 
While  glows  the  focial  bofom  to  impart 

Each  young  idea  dawning  fcience  lends. 
Or  big  with  forrow  beats  th'  unpracftts'd  heart 

For  fuff'ring  virtue,  and  difaflrous  friends. 
Peep  in  the  volumes  of  the  mighty  dead 

They  feaft  on  joys  to  vulgar  minds  unknown  ^ 
The  hero's,  fage's,  patriot's  path  they  tread. 

Adore  each  Vv'ortli,  and  m.ake  it  half  their  own. 
Sublime  and  pure  as  Thebes  or  Sparta  taught 

Eternal  union  from  their  fouls  they  fwear, 
Each  added  converfe  fwells  the  generous  thought. 

And  each  (hort  abfence  makes  it  more  fi.-.cere  — 
-! — '^  And  can — (I  hear  fome  eager  voice  exclaim, 

Whofs  blifs  now  biofibm.s,    and  whofe  hopes  bea^ 
high) 
Can  Virtue's  bafis  fail  th'  incumbent  frame  ? 

And  may  fjch  fricndfnips  e^er  ei-er  die  ?" 
Ah,  gentle  youth,  they  may.      Nor  thou  complain 

If  chance  the  fad  experience  fhould  be  thine. 
What  can  not  change  where  all  is  light  and  vain  ? 
-r-A'k  of  the  Fatej  who  twill:  life's  vn.rying  line. 

Ambi- 


^^o         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Ambition,  vanity,  fufpenfe,  furmire. 

On  the  wide  world's  tempeituous  ocean  roll ; 
New  loves,  new  friendlliips,  new  defires  arife. 

New  joys  elate,  new  griefs  deprefs  the  foul. 
Some,  in  the  buflling  mart  of  bufmefs,  lofe 

The  ftill  fmall  voice  retirement  loves  to  hear  ; 
Some  at  the  noify  bar  enlarge  their  views. 

And  fome  in  fenates  court  a  people's  ear. 
While  others,  led  by  glory's  meteors,  run 

To  dlilant  wars  for  laurels  ftain'd  with  b'ood. 
Meanwhile  the  ftream  of  time  glides  calmly  on. 

And  ends  its  filent  courfe  in  Lethe's  flcod. 
Unhappy  only  he  of  Friendfhip's  train 

Who  never  knew  what  change  or  fortune  meant, 
With  whom  th'  ideas  of  his  youth  remain 

Too  iirmly  fix'd,  and  rob  him  of  content. 
Condemn'd  perhaps  to  fome  obfcure  retreat, 

Vv'here  pale  refleclion  wears  a  fickly  bloom. 
Still  to  the  paft  he  turns  with  pilgrim  feet. 

And  gho.1:s  of  pleafure  haunt  him  to  his  tomb, 
O — but  I  will  not  name  you — ye  kind  few. 

With  whom  the  morning  of  my  life  I  pafs'd. 
May  every  blifs,  your  generous  bofoms  knew 

In  earlier  days,  attend  you  to  the  lafl. 
I  too,  alas,  am  chang'd. —  And  yet  there  are 

Who  ilill  with  partial  love  my  friend ihip  own. 
Forgive  the  frailties  which  they  could  not  (hare. 

Or  fmd  my  heart  unchang'd  to  them  alone. 
To  them  this  votive  tablet  of  the  Mufe 

Pleas'd  I  fufpend. — Nor  let  th'  unfeeling  mind 

From 


O  N    F  R  I  E  N  D  S  H  I  p.  221 

From  thefe  loofe  hints  its  own  vile  ways  excufe. 

Or  ftart  a  thought  to  injure  human-kind. 
Who  knows  not  Friendfliip,  knows  not  blifs  iincere. 

Court  it,  ye  young  ;  ye  agedi  bind  it  fail ; 
Earn  it,  ye  proud  ;  nor  think  the  purchafe  dear, 

Whate'er  the  labour,  if  'tis  gain'd  at  laft. 
Compar'd  with  all  th'  admiring  world  calls  great. 

Fame's  loudeft  blaft,  ambition's  noblell  ends, 
Ev'n  the  lai\  pang  of  fecial  life  is  fweet : 

The  pang  which  parts  us  from  our  weeping  friends. 


THE 


Ill         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


THE  DOG: 


A      TALE. 

A    S  QU  I R  E  of  parts,  and  fome  conceit, 
"^^^  The'  not  a  glaring  firil-rate  wit^ 
Had  latsly  taken  to  his  arms 
A  damfel  of  uncommon  charms. 
A  mutual  blifs  their  bofoms  knew. 
The  hours  on  downy  pinions  flew. 
And  fcatter'd  rofes  as  they  pafs'd 
Emblem  of  joys  too  fweet  to  lail ! 
For  lo  !   th'  unequal  fates  divide 
Th'  enamour'd  fwain,  and  beauteous  bride* 
The  honey  moon  had  fcarcely  wan'd. 
And  love  its  empire  ilill  maintain'd. 
When  forth  he  mull,  for  bufmefs  calls. 
—  Adieu,  ye  fields,  ye  groves,  ye  walls. 
That  in  your  hallow'd  bounds  contain 
My  fource  of  joy — my  fourcc  of  pain  I 
It  muft  be  fo  ;  adieu,  miy  dear. 
They  kifs,  he  fighs,  fl~ie  drops  a  tear. 
For  lovers  of  a  certain  cail 
Think  every  parting  is  the  lall. 
And  ftill  v/hine  out,  whene'er  they  fever, 
In  tragic  iirain,  '*  Farewell  for  ever !" 

Awhile, 


T  H  E      D  O  G.  tz$ 

Awhile,  in  melancholy  mood. 
He  flovvly  pac'd  the  tirefome  road; 
For  "  every  road  mull  tirefome  prove 
That  bears  us  far  from  her  we  love.'* 
But  fun,  and  exercife,  and  air. 
At  length  difpel  the  glooms  of  care  ; 
They  vaniih  like  a  morning  dream. 
And  happinefs  is  now  the  theme. 
How  bleil:  his  lot,  to  gain  at  lalt^ 
So  many  vain  refearches  part, 
A  wife  fo  fuited  to  his  talle. 
So  fair,  fo  gentle,  and  fo  chafie, 
A  tender  partner  for  his  bed, 
A  pillow  for  his  aching  head. 
The  bofom  good  for  which  he  panted. 
In  (hort  the  very  thing  he  wanted. 
And  then,  to  make  my  blifs  compleat> 
And  lay  frefh  laurels  at  my  feet. 
How  many  matches  did  fhe  flight ; 
An  Iriih  lord,  a  city  knight. 
And  fquires  by  dozens,  yet  agree 
To  pafs  her  life  with  hiimbie  me. 
And  did  not  ihe  the  other  day 
When  Captain  VVilkins  pafs'd  our  way— 
The  Captain  ! — well,  fhie  lik'd  not  him, 
Tho'  drell  in  all  his  Hyde-park  trim. 
—  She  lik'd  his  fword-knot  tho'  'twas  yellow  ; 
The  Captain  is  a  fprightly  felIo7/, 
I  fhould  not  often  chufe  to  fee 
Such  dangerous  vifuors  as  he, 

I  won- 


aH  WHITEHEAD*s    POEMS* 

I  wonder  how  he  came  to  call — 

Or  why  he  pafs'd  that  way  at  all. 

His  road  lay  farther  to  the  right. 

And  me  he  hardly  knew  by  fight. 

Stay, — let  me  think — I  freeze,  I  burn—* 

Where'er  he  went,  he  mull  return. 

And,  in  my  abfence>  may  again 

Make  boldxo  call.  —  Come  hither,  Ben; 

Did  you  obferve,  I'll  lay  my  life 

You  did,  when  firil  he  met  my  wife. 

What  fpeech  it  was  the  Captain  made  ? 

**  What,  Captain  Wilkins,  Sir  ?"  The  fame. 

Come,  you  can  tell.     "  I  can't  indeed, 

**  For  they  were  kiffing  wh  n  I  came.'* 

Kifs,  did  they  kifs  ?— "  Moll  furely.  Sir  j 

A  bride,  and  he  a  bachelor." 

Peace,  rafcal,  'tis  beyond  endurance, 

1  wonder  at  fome  folks  aflurance. 

They  think,  like  Ranger  in  the  play> 

That  all  they  meet  is  lawful  prey. 

Thefe  huff  bluff  Captains  are  of  late 

Grown  quite  a  nufance  in  the  ilate. — 

Ben,  turn  your  horfe — nay,  never  ilarCi 

And  tell  my  wife  I  cannot  bear 

Thefe  frequent  vifits.     Hence,  you  dunce  ! 

**  The  Captain,  Sir,  was  there  but  once." 

Once  is  too  often  ;  tell  her,  Ben, 

That,  if  he  dares  to  call  again. 

She  Ihould  avoid  him  like  a  toad, 

A  fnake,  a  viper. — There's  your  road. 

—And 


T  H  E      D  O  G.  245 

•=— And  hark'ee,  tell  her,  under  favour. 

We  llretch  too  far  polite  behaviour. 

Tel]  her,  I  do  not  underfland 

This  kilTing  ;  tell  her  I  command— 

"  Heav'n  blefs  us.  Sir,  fuch  whims  as  thefe"— 

Tell  her  I  beg  it  on  my  knees. 

By  ail  the  love  fhe  ever  fnovv'd. 

By  all  fhe  at  the  altar  vow'd, 

Howe'er  abfurd  a  hufband's  fears> 

Howe'er  injurious  it  appears. 

She  would  not  fee  him  if  he  comes ; 

Nay,  if  fhe  chance  to  hear  his  drums. 

Bid  her  flart  back,  and  fkulk  for  fear. 

As  if  the  thunder  rent  her  ear. 

O  wond'rous  power  of  love  and  beauty  ! 
Obedience  is  a  fervant's  duty. 
And  Ben  obeys.     But,  as  he  goes. 
He  reafons  much  on  human  woes. 
How  frail  is  man,  how  prone  to  flray 
And  all  the  long  et  catera 
Of  fayings,  which,  in  former  ages, 
Immortaliz'd  the  Grecian  fages. 
But  now  the  very  vulgar  fpeak. 
And  only  critics  quote  in  Greek. 

With  thefe,  like  Sancho,  was  he  flor'd. 
And  Sancho-like  drew  forth  his  hoard. 
Proper  or  not,  he  all  applied. 
And  view'd  the  cafe  on  every  fide. 
Till,  on  the  whole,  he  thought  it  beft 
To  turn  the  matter  to  a  jefl, 

Vol.  LXXII.  Q  And, 


ti6        WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And,  with  a  kind  of  clumfey  wit. 
At  laft  on  an  expedient  hit. 

Suppofe  we  then  the  journey  o'er. 
And  Madam  meets  him  at  the  door. 
So  Toon  rcturn'd  ?  and  where's  your  mailer?  ,    i 

I  hope  you've  met  with  no  difailer,  ^ 

Is  my  dear  well  ?  "  Extremely  fo  ; 
And  only  fent  me  here  to  know 
How  fares  his  fofter,  better  part. 
Ah,  Madam,  could  you  fee  his  heart ! 
It  was  not  even  in  his  power 
To  brook  the  abfence  of  an  hour." — 
And,  was  this  all  ?  was  this  the  whole 
He  fent  you  for  ?  The  kind,  good,  foul  I 
Tell  him,  that  he's  my  fource  of  blifs ; 
Tell  him  my  health  depends  on  his ; 
Tell  him,  this  bread  no  joy  can  find. 
If  cares  difturb  his  dearer  mind ; 
This  faithful  breail,  if  he  be  well. 
No  pang,  but  that  of  abfence,  feel. 

Ben  blufh'd,  and  fmil'd,  and  fcratch'd  his  h€ad> 
Then,  falt'ring  in  his  accents,  faid, 
"  One  meffage  more,  he  bade  me  bear. 
But  that's  a  fecret  for  your  ear — 
My  mailer  begs,  on  no  account 
Your  Lady  (hip  would  dare  to  mount 
The  malHfF  dog."     What  means  the  lad  ? 
Are  you,  or  is  your  mailer  mad  ? 
I  ride  a  dog  ?  a  pretty  llory. 
"  Ah,  deareil  Madam,  do  not  glory 

In 


T  H  E      D  O  Gi  l»r 

tn  your  own  llrength ;  temptation's  ftrong, 

And  frail  our  nature."     Hold  your  tongue* 

'Your  Mailer,  Sir,  (hall  know  of  this. 

*'  Dear  Madam,  do  not  take  amifs 

Your  fervant's  zeal ;  by  all  you  vow'd, 

By  all  the  love  you  ever  (how'd,  ' 

By  all  your  hopes  of  blifs  to  come, 

Beware  the  maftifF dog l"  Be  dumb, 

Infulting  wretch,  the  Lady  cries. 

The  fervant  takes  his  cue,  and  flies. 

While  confternation  marks  her  face. 

He  mounts  his  Heed,  and  quits  the  place. 

In  vain  (he  calls,  as  fwift  as  wind  > 

He  fcowers  the  lawn,  yet  caft  behind 

One  parting  look,  which  feem'd  to  fay 

**  Beware  the  Dog  ;*'  then  rode  away. 

Why  (hould  I  paint  the  hurrying  fcene 
Of  claihing  thoughts  which  pafs'd  within^ 
•Where  doubt  on  doubt  incefllint  roll'd. 
Enough  for  me  the  fecret's  told. 
And  Madam  in  a  llrange  quandary. 
What's  to  be  done  ?  John,  Betty,  Harr)% 
Go,  call  him  back.     He's  out  of  fight. 
No  fpeed  can  overtake  his  flight.  ' 

Patience  per  force  alone  remains. 
Precarious  cure  for  real  pains  ! 

"  I  ride  a  dog  ?  a  llrange  conceit. 
And  never  fure  attempted  yet. 
What  can  it  mean?  Whate'er  it  v.as. 
There  is  fome  myfter)'  in  the  cafe.^*- 

0^2  And 


laJ         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  really,  now  I've  thought  a  minute. 

There  may  be  no  great  matter  in  it. 

Ladies  of  old,  to  try  a  change. 

Have  rode  on  animals  as  ftrange. 

Kelle  a  ram,  a  bull  Europa  ; 

Nay  Englifh  widows,  for  2.  faux  pas. 

Were  doom'd  to  expiate  their  fhame. 

As  Authors  fay,  upon  a  ram. 

And  fhan't  my  \drtue  take  a  pride  in 

Outdoing  fuch  vile  trulls  in  ridino;  ? 

And  fare  a  ram*s  as  weak  a  creature — 

Here,  Betty,  reach  me  the  Spedlator. — 

*'  Lord  blefs  me.  Ma'am,  as  one  may  fay. 

Your  Ladyfhip's  quite  mop'd  to  day. 

Reading  will  only,  I'm  afraid. 

Put  more  ftrange  megrims  in  your  head, 

'Twere  better  fure  to  take  the  air ; 

I'll  order.  Ma'am,  the  coach  and  pair. 

And  then  too  I  may  go  befide. 

Or,  if  you  rather  chufe  to  ride." — 

Ride,  Betty  ?  that's  my  wilh,  my  aim. 

Pray,  Betty,  is  our  Caefar  tame  ? 

**  Tame,  Madam  ?  Yes.     I  never  heard—- 

You  mean  the  maftiff  in  the  yard  ? 

He  makes  a  noife,  and  barks  at  folks — 

But  furely,  Ma'am,  your  La'fhip  jokes." 

Jokes,  Betty,  no,     ^y  earth  and  heaven 

This  infuk  fhall  not  be  forgiven. 

W"hate'er  they  mean,  I'll  ride  the  dog. 

Go,  prithee,  free  him  from  his  clog. 


And 


7.2<) 


T  H  E      D  O  G. 

And  bi*Ing  him  hither ;  they  fhall  find 
There's  courage  in  a  female  mind. 

So  faid,  fo  done.     The  dog  appears 
With  Betty  chirping  on  the  flairs. 
The  floating  fack  is  thrown  afide. 
The  veftments,  proper  for  a  ride. 
Such  as  we  oft  in  Hyde-park  view 
Of  fufUan  white  lapell'd  with  blue. 
By  Betty's  care  were  on  the  fpot. 
Nor  is  the  feather 'd  hat  forgot. 
Pleas'd  with  herfelf  th'  accoutred  lafs 
Took  half  a  turn  before  her  glafs. 
And  fimp'ring  faid,  I  fwear  and  vow, 
I  look  like  Captain  Wilkins  now. 
But  ferious  cares  our  thoughts  demand. 
Poor  Ca^far,  flroke  him  with  your  hand  j 
How  mild  he  feems,  and  wags  his  tail  I 
*Tis  now  the  moment  to  prevail. 
She  fpake,  and  ftrait  with  eye  fedate 
3egan  th'  important  work  of  fate. 
A  cufhion  on  his  back  ftie  plac'd. 
And  bound  v^ith  ribands  round  his  waifl: : 
The  knot,  which  whilom  grac'd  her  head. 
And  down  her  winding  lappets  fpread. 
From  all  it's  foft  meanders  freed. 
Became  a  bridle  for  her  fteed. 
And  now  fhe  mounts.     **  Dear  Dian,  hear  i 
Bright  Goddefs  of  the  lunar  fphere  ! 
Thou  that  haft  oft  preferv'd  from  fate 
The  nymph  who  leaps  a  five-barr'd  gate, 

Qj  O  take 


,30         WHITEHEAD'S    P  O  E  M  5, 

O  take  me,  Goddefs,  to  thy  care, 
O  hear  a  tender  Lady's  prayer  ! 
Thy  vot'refs  once,  as  pure  a  maid 
As  ever  rov'd  the  Delian  fhade. 
The'  now,  by  man's  fediiflion  won. 
She  wears,  alas,  a  loofer  zone." 

In  vain  (he  pray'd.     She  mounts,  fne  falls ! 
And  C^far  barks,  and  Betty  fquawls. 
The  marble  hearth  receives  below 
The  headlong  dame,  a  direful  blow  ! 
And  ilarting  veins  with  blood  difgrace 
The  fofter  marble  of  her  face. 

Here  might  I  fmg  of  fading  charms 
Reclin'd  on  Betty's  faithful  neck, 
Jjike  Venus  in  Dione's  arm.s. 

And  much  from  Homer  might  I  fpeak, 
But  we  refer  to  Pope's  tranilation. 
And  haften  to  our  plain  narration. 

While  broths  and  plaillers  are  prepar'4f 
And  Doftors  feed,  and  Madam  fcar'd. 
At  length  returns  th'  impatient  Squire 
Eager  and  panting  with  defire. 
But  finds  his  home  a  defart  place. 
No  fpoufe  to  welconie  his  embrace, 
No  tender  fharer  of  his  blifs 
To  chide  his  abfence  with  a  Lifs. 
Sullen  in  bed  the  Lady  lay. 
And  muffled  from  the  eye  of  day. 
Nor  deign'd  a  look,  averfe  and  fa4 
^s  Pldo  in  th'  Elyfian  fhade, 


^maz'd. 


T  H  E      D  O  G.  331 

Amaz'd,  alarm'd,  the  bed  he  preis'd. 
And  clafp'd  her  llrugglmg  to  his  breaft. 
My  Hie,  my  foul,  I  cannot  brook 
This  cruel,  this  averted  look. 
And  is  it  thus  at  lall  we  meet  ? 
Then  rais'd  her  gently  from  the  fbeet. 
What  mean,  he  cries,  thefe  bleeding  flains. 
This  mufHed  head,  and  burlHng  veins  ? 
What  facrilegious  hand  could  dare 
To  fix  its  impious  vengeance  there  ? 
The  'Dogy  the  Dog  !  was  ail  fhe  faid 
And  fobbing  fjnk  again  in  bed. 

The  Dog,  the  Dog  I  exprefs'd  her  grief,  , 

Like  poor  Othello's  handkerchief. 

Meanwhile  had  Ben  with  prudent  care 
From  Betty  leanit  the  whole  aiFair, 
And  drew  th'  impatient  Squire  afide. 
To  own  the  cheat  he  could  not  hide. 
See,  rafcal,  fee,  enrag'd  he  cries. 
What  tumors  on  her  forehead  rife  ! 
How  fwells  with  grief  that  face  divine  ! 
'*  I  own  it  all,  the  fault  was  mine, 
Replies  the  Lad,  dear  angry  Lord  ; 
But  hulh  !  come  hither,  not  a  word  I 
Small  are  the  ills  we  now  endure, 
Thofe  tumours.  Sir,  admit  a  cure. 
But,  had  I  done  as  you  directed, 
Whofe  forehead  then  had  been  afFefled  ? 
Had  Captain  Wilkins  been  forbidden. 
Ah  mailer,  who  had  then  been  ridden  V* 

CL+  AN 


l^t         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


An      epistle 

From   a  Grove  in  Derbyshire   to  a   Grove 

in   Surry. 

O  I N  C  E  every  naturalift  agrees 

^  That  groves  are  nothing  elfe  but  trees. 

And  root-bound  trees,  like  diftant  creatures. 

Can  only  correfpond  by  letters. 

Borne  on  the  winds  which  thro'  us  whiftle| 

Accept,  dear  filler,  this  epiflle. 

And  firft,  as  to  their  town  relations 
The  ladies  fend  to  know  the  fafhions. 
Would  I,  in  fomething  better  fpelling. 
Inquire  how  things  go  on  at  Haling  ; 
For  here,  for  all  my  mailer's  ftorming, 
I'm  fure  we  ftrangely  want  reforming. 
Long  have  my  lab'ring  trees  confin'd 
Such  griefs  as  almoft  burll  their  rind  ; 
But  you'll  permit  me  to  difclofe  'em. 
And  lodge  them  in  your  leafy  bofom. 

When  gods  came  dovm  the  woods  among, 
As  fvveetly  chaunts  poetic  fong, 
And  Fauns  and  Sylvans  fporting  there 
Attun'd  the  reed,  or  chas'd  the  fair. 

My 


An    E  P  I  S  T  L  E,    &c,  asj 

My  quiv'ring  branches  lightly  fann'd 
The  movements  of  the  mafter's  hand  ; 
Or  half  conceal'd,  and  half  betray'd. 
The  blulhing,  flying,  yielding  maid  ; 
Did  even  the  blifs  of  heav'n  improve. 
And  folac'd  gods  with  earthly  love  1 

But  now  the  v/orld  is  grown  fo  chafle. 
Or  elfe  my  mailer  has  no  tafte. 
That,  I'll  be  fworn,  the  live-long  year 
We  fcarely  fee  a  woman  here. 
And  what,  alas,  are  woodland  quires 
To  thofe  who  want  your  fierce  defires  ? 
Can  philofophic  boibms  know 
Why  myrtles  fpring,  or  rofes  blow. 
Why  cowflips  lift  the  velvet  head. 
Or  woodbines  form  the  fragrant  fnade? 
Even  violet  couches  only  fwell 
To  gratify  his  fight  and  fmell ; 
And  Milton's  univerfal  Pan 
Scarce  makes  him  feel  himfelf  a  man. 

And  then  he  talks  your  dull  morality 
Like  fome  old  heathen  man  of  quality, 
(Plato,   or  what's  his  name  who  fled 
So  nobly  at  his  army's  head,) 
For  Chriilian  lords  have  better  breedino- 

o 

Than  by  their  talk  to  fliew  their  reading  ; 
And  what  their  fentiment  in  fa6l  is. 
That  you  may  gather  from  their  prai^lice. 

The' 


134         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Tho'  really,  if  it  were  no  wcrfe. 
We  might  excufe  his  vain  difcourfe ; 
Tofs  high  cur  heads  above  his  voice. 
Or  flop  the  babbling  echo's  noife ; 
But  he,  I  tell  you,  has  fuch  freaks. 
He  thinks  and  afls  whate'er  he  fpeaks. 

Or,  if  he  needs  muft  preach  and  reafon, 
"Why  let  him  chufe  a  proper  feafon ; 
Such  mufty  morals  we  might  hear 
When  whiilling  winds  have  ftript  us  bare. 
As,  after  fixty,  pious  folks 
Will  on  wet  Sundays  read  good  books. 
And  I  muft  own,  dear  fifter  Haling, 
'Tis  mine,  like  many  a  lady's  failing. 
(Whom  worried  fpoufe  to  town  conveys 

From  eafe,  and  exercife,  and  air. 
To  fleeplefs  nights,  and  raking  days. 

And  joys — too  exquifite  to  bear) 
To  feel  December's  piercing  harms. 
And  every  winter  lofe  my  charms. 
*  While  you  ftill  fiouriili  frelli  and  faif 
Like  your  young  ladies  all  the  year. 

O  happy  groves,  who  never  feel 
The  ftroke  of  winter,  or  of  fleel ; 
Nor  find,  but  in  the  f  poet's  lay. 
The  race  of  leaves  like  men  decay. 

*  A  great  many  of  the  tj-ccs  at  Haling  arc  exotics  and  evergreens. 
+  Homer. 

Nor 


^ 


An    epistle,    l-c.  135 

Nor  hear  th*  imperious  woodman's  call. 
Nor  fee  your  fylvan  daughters  fall. 
With  head  declin'd  attend  their  moan. 
And  echo  to  the  dying  groan. 

While  I,  attack'd  by  foes  to  reft. 
New  villas  opening  thro'  my  breaft. 
Am  daily  torn  with  wounds  and  fiafliss, 
And  fee  my  oaks,  my  elms,  my  alhes. 
With  rhiming  labels  round  them  fet. 
As  every  tree  were  to  be  let. 
And,  when  one  pants  for  confolation. 
Am  put  in  mind  of  contemplation. 

O  friend,  inflrucl  me  to  endure 
Thefe  mighty  ii!s,  or  hint  a  cure. 
Say,  might  not  marriage,  vvcU  apply'd. 
Improve  his  tafle,  correcl  his  pride. 
Inform  him  books  but  make  folks  muddy. 
Confine  his  morals  to  his  lludy. 
Teach  him,  like  other  mortals,  here 
To  toy  and  prattle  with  his  dear  ; 
Avert  that  fate  my  fear  forefees. 
And,  for  his  children,  fave  his  trees  ? 

Right  truily  wood,  if  you  approve 
The  remedy  exprefs'd  above. 
Write  by  the  next  fair  wind  that  blo^*^, 
^nd  kindly  recommend  a  fpoufe^ 

THE 


43«        WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


THE       ANSWER. 


T^  EAR  grove,  I  afk  ten  thoufand  pardons, 
^^  Sure  I'm  the  moft  abfurd  of  gardens ! 
Such  correfpondence  to  negledl — 
Lord,  how  mufl  all  grove-kind  refled  I 

Your  human  loiterers,  they  fay. 
Can  put  ye  off  from  day  to  day 
With  pofl  gone  out — the  carelefs  maid 
Forgot — the  letter  was  millaid — 
And  twenty  phrafes  wrought  with  art 
To  hide  the  coldnefs  of  the  heart. 
But  vegetables  from  their  youth 
Vstro,  always  taught  to  fpeak  the  truth. 
In  Dodonn's  vales,  on  Mona's  mountains, 
In  Jotham's  fables,  or  in  Fontaine's, 
They  talk  like  any  judge  or  bifhop. 
Quite  from  the  cedar  down  to  hyffop, 
I  therefore  for  my  paft  offence 
May  own,  with  fylvan  innocence, 
I've  nought  but  negligence  to  plead  ; 
Which  you'll  excufe,  and  I'll  proceed. 

You  groves  who  {land  remote  from  towns 
(Tho'  we  are  apt  to  call  ye  clowns) 

Have 


T  H  E    A  N  S  W  E  R.  »33{ 

Have  really  fomediing  in  your  natures 
Which  makes  ye  moH  diverting  creatures. 
And  then,  I  vow,  I  like  to  lee 
That  primitive  fimplicity  ; 
To  think  of  marriage  as  a  means 
T'  improve  his  tafte,  and  fave  your  greens- 
It  looks  fo  like  that  orood  old  o-rove 

o  o 

Where  Adam  once  to  Eve  made  love. 
That  any  foul  alive  would  fv/ear 
Your  trees  were  educated  there. 

Why,  child,  the  only  hope  thou  haft 
Lies  in  thv  mailer's  want  of  tafle  : 
For  fhou'd  his  ling'ring  flay  in  London 
Improve  his  tafte,  you  muft  be  undone ; 
Your  trees  would  prefently  lie  flat. 
And  the  high  mode  of  one  green  plat 
Run  thro'  his  worfhip's  whole  eilate, 

Befides,  you  rullics  fill  your  fancies 
With  Ovid,  and  his  firange  romances. 
Why  now  you  think,  in  days  like  ours. 
That  love  muft  ftill  inhabit  bov/ers. 
And  goddefies,  as  juft  rewards 
For  hymns  of  praife,  grow  fond  of  bards. 
And  fly  to  over-arching  woods 
And  flowery  banks,  and  cryftai  floods, 
Becaufe  fuch  things,  forfooth,  were  wanted 
When  your  great  grandmothers  were  planted. 

The 


i38         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

The  cafe,  my  dear,  is  alter'd  quite. 
Not  that  we're  chafte,  but  more  polite ; 
Your  IhepherdefTes  fought  fuch  places. 
Like  fimple  girls,  to  hide  their  faces  j 
But  our  bright  maids  difdain  the  thought. 
They  know  hypocrify's  a  fault. 
And  never  bear  by  their  confent 
The  fhame  of  feeming  innocent. 

But  I  forget,  you've  juft  got  down 
A  miilrefs,  as  you  wiih'd,  from  town. 
I  don't  know  what  you'll  fay  at  RomeIy> 
We  really  think  the  woman  comely  ; 
Has  fome  good  qualities  befide. 
They  fay,  but  fhe's  as  yet  a  bride  ; 
One  can't  trull  every  report- 
Not  we  I  mean  who  live  near  court ; 
A  lie  perhaps  in  Derbylhire 
May  be  as  llrange  as  truth  is  here. 
Our  ladies,  and  all  their  relations. 
Are  vaflly  full  of  commendations  ; 
As  for  mifs  — —^s  part,  ihe  fwears> 
— I  a(k  her  pardon— (he  avers 
That  never  in  her  life-time  yet 
She  faw  a  woman  more  compleat ; 
And  wi(hes  trees  could  tramp  th*"  plain* 
Like  Birnham  wood  to  Dunfinane, 
So  might  or  you  or  I  remove, 
And  Romely  join  to  Haling  grove. 


0  could 


The    a  N  S  V/  E  R, 

O"  could  her  wilh  but  alter  fate 

And  kindly  place  us  ttte  a  tete. 

How  iweetly  might  from  every  walk 

My  echoes  to  ycur  echoes  talk  ! 

But  fince,  as  jafily  you  obfene. 

By  Nature's  laws,  which  never  fwerve> 

We're  bound  from  gadding,  tree  by  tree. 

Both  us  and  our  pollerity. 

Let  each,  content  with  her  own  county. 

E'en  make  the  bell  of  Nature's  bounty. 

Calmly  enjoy  the  prefent  blifs. 

Nor  in  what  might  he  iofe  what  //. 

Believe  me,  dear,  beyond  expreffing 
We're  happy,  if  we  knew  the  bleiling. 
Our  mailers,  all  the  world  allow. 
Are  honeft  men  as  tiooes  go  now ; 
They  neither  wench,  nor  drink,  nor  game. 
Nor  burn  w-irh  zeal  or  party  flame. 
From  whence,  excepting  adverfe  fates> 
We  may  conclude  that  there  eflates 
V/ill  probably  increafe,  and  we 
Shall  Hand  another  century. 

Then  never  mind  a  tree  or  two 
Cut  down  perhaps  to  ope  a  \'iew. 
Nor  be  of  naii'd  up  verfe  aiham'd^ 
Youll  live  to  fee  the  Doet  damn'd. 

A. 

I  envy  not,  I  fwear  and  vow. 

The  temples,  or  the  ihades  cf  Stew ; 


Nor 


240         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Nor  Java's  groves,  whofe  arms  difplay 
Their  blofToms  to  the  rifing  day  ; 
Nor  Chili's  woods,  whole  fruitage  gleams 
Ruddy  beneath  his  fetting  beams ; 
Nor  TenerifFa's  forefts  ihaggy  ; 
Nor  China's  varying  Sharawaggi ; 
Nor  all  that  has  been  fung  or  faid 
Of  Pindus,  or  of  Windfor  fhade. 

Contentment  is  the  chemic  power 
Which  makes  trees  bloom  in  half  an  hour. 
And  fafter  plants  fubftantial  joy. 
Than  ax  or  hatchet  can  deftroy. 
O,  gain  but  that,  and  you'll  perceive 
Your  fears  all  fade,  your  hopes  revive. 
In  v/inter  calm  Contentment's  voice 
Shall  make,  like  mine,  your  trees  rejoice  j 
Acrofs  dead  boughs  a  verdure  fling. 
And  blefs  you  with  eternal  fpring. 


THE      ENTHUSIAST, 


/^  N  C  E,  I  remember  well  the  day, 
^^  'Twas  ere  the  blooming  fweets  of  May 

Had  loft  their  frefheft  hues. 
When  every  flower  on  every  hill. 
In  every  vale,  had  drank  its  fiil 

Of  fim-ihine>  and  of  dews. 

^Twas 


The    enthusiast.  241 

*T\va3  that  fweet  fealbn's  lovelieft  prime 
When  Spring  gives  up  the  reins  of  time 

To  Summer's  glo.ving  hand. 
And  doubting  mortals  hardly  knovv 
By  whofe  command  the  breezes  blow 

Which  fan  the  fmiling  land. 

'Twas  then  befide  a  green-wood  fhade 
Which  cloath'd  a  lawn's  afpiring  head 

I  wove  my  devious  way. 
With  loitering  fteps,  regardlefs  where. 
So  foft,  fo  genial  was  the  air. 

So  wond'rous  bright  the  day. 

And  now  my  eyes  with  tranfport  rove 
O'er  all  the  blue  expanfe  above. 

Unbroken  by  a  cloud  1 
And  now  beneatli  delighted  pafs. 
Where  winding  through  the  deep -green  grafs 

A  fuil-brim'd  river  flowed. 

I  frop,  1  gaze ;  in  accents  rude 
To  thee,  ferenell:  Solitude, 

Burfts  forth  th'  unbidden  lay  ; 
Beo-one,  vile  world  :  the  learn'd,  the  wir^. 
The  great,  the  bufy,  I  deipife; 

And  pity  ev'n  ihe  gay. 

Thefe,  thefe,  are  joys  alone,  I  cry  ; 
'Tis  here,  divine  Philofophy, 

Thou  deign'il  to  fix  thy  throne ! 

Vol.  LXXII.  R  Here 


»4«         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Here  Contemplation  points  the  road 
Thro*  Nature's  charms  to  Nature's  God  1 
Thefe,  thefe,  are  joys  alone  1 

Adieu,  ye  vain  Icv-thoughted  cares. 
Ye  human  hopes,  and  human  fears. 

Ye  pleafures,  and  ye  pains !  — 
While  thus  I  fpake,  o'er  all  my  foul 
A  philofophic  calmnefs  Hole, 

A  Stoic  flilbefs  reigns. 

The  tyrant  pafiions  all  fubfide. 

Fear,  anger,  pity,  Ihame,  and  pride. 

No  more  my  bofom  move  ; 
Yet  ftill  I  felt,  or  feem'd  to  feel 
A  kind  of  vifionary  zeal 

Of  univerfal  love. 

When  lo !  a  voice  !  a  voice  I  hear  I 
'Twas  Reafon  whifper'd  in  my  ear 

Thefe  monitory  llrains : 
What  mean'fl  thou,  man  ?  would' ft  thou  unbind 
The  ties  v/hich  conflitute  thy  kind. 

The  pleafures  and  the  pains  ? 

The  fame  Almighty  Power  unfeen. 

Who  fpreads  the  gay  or  folemn  fcene 

To  Contemplation's  eye, 

Fix'd  every  movement  of  the  foul. 

Taught  every  wifh  its  deftin'd  goaU 

And  quicken'd  every  jcv. 

He 


Tk£    enthusiast.  245 

He  bids  the  tyrant  paffions  rage. 
He  bids  them  war  eternal  vvage. 

And  combat  each  his  toe  : 
Tiil  from  difientions  concords  rife. 
And  beauties  from  deformities. 

And  happinefs  from  woe. 

Art  thou  not  man :  and  dar'il  thou  find 
A  blifs  which  leans  not  to  mankind  ? 

Prefumptuous  thought,  and  vain  ! 
Each  blifs  unfhar'd  is  unenjoy'd. 
Each  power  is  weak,  unlefs  employ'd 

Some  fecial  good  to  gain. 

Shall  light,  and  fhade,  and  warmth,  and  air. 
With  thofe  exalted  joys  compare 

Which  ad:ive  virtue  feels. 
When  on  flie  drags,  as  lawful  prize. 
Contempt,  and  Indolence,  and  Vice, 

At  her  triumphant  wheels. 

As  reft  to  labour  flill  fucceeds. 

To  man,  while  Virtue's  glorious  dte^s 

Employ  his  toilfome  day. 
This  fair  variety  of  things 
Are  merely  life's  refrefhing  fprings 

To  footh  him  on  his  way. 

Enthufiaft,  go,  unftring  thy  lyre  ; 
In  vain  thou  fmg'ft,  if  none  admire. 
How  fweet  fce'er  the  ftrain. 

R  2  And 


144         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  is  not  thy  overflowing  mind, 
Unlefs  thou  mixell  with  thy  kind. 
Benevolent  in  vain  ? 

Enthufiaft,  go ;  try  every  fenfe  : 
If  not  thy  blifs,  thy  excellence 

Thou  yet  haft  learn'd  to  fcan. 
At  leaft  thy  wants,  thy  weaknefs  know ; 
And  fee  them  all  uniting  fhow 

That  man  was  made  for  man. 


The   youth  and  the    PHILOSOPHER. 
A         FABLE. 

A    GRECIAN  Youth,  of  talents  rare, 
•*^^  Whom  Plato's  philofophic  care 
Had  form'd  for  virtue's  nobler  view. 
By  precept  and  example  too. 
Would  often  boalt  his  matchlefs  ildll. 
To  curb  the  fteed,  and  guide  the  wheel. 
And  as  he  pafs'd  the  gazing  throng. 
With  graceful  eafe,  and  fmack'd  the  thong. 
The  idiot  wonder  they  exprefs'd 
Wa3  praife  and  tranfport  to  his  breaft. 

At  length,  quite  vain,  he  needs  vvcu!d  Ihew 
His  mailer  what  his  art  could  do  ', 

And 


The  yOUTH  and  the  PHILOSOPHER.     245 

And  bade  his  flaves  the  chariot  lead 
To  Academus'  facred  ihade. 
The  trembling  grove  confefs'd  its  fright. 
The  wood-nymphs  ftartled  at  the  fight. 
The  Mules  drop  the  leamed  lyre. 
And  to  their  inmoil  Ihades  retire  ! 

Hovve'cr,  the  youth  with  forward  air 
Bows  to  the  fage,  and  mounts  the  car. 
The  lafh  refounds,  the  courfers  fpring. 
The  chariot  marks  the  rollino-  rine. 
And  gath'ring  crouds,  with  eager  eyes. 
And  {houts,  purfue  him  as  he  flies. 

Triumphant  to  the  goal  retum'd. 
With  nobler  thirft  his  bofom  burn'd ; 
And  now  along  th'  indented  plain. 
The  fdf-fame  track  he  marks  again ; 
Purfues  with  care  the  nice  defign. 
Nor  ever  deviates  from  the  liite. 

Amazement  feiz'd  the  circling  croud  ; 
The  youths  with  emulation  glow'd, 
Ev'n  bearded  fages  hail'd  the  boy. 
And  all,  but  Plato,  gaz'd  with  joy. 
For  he,  deep -judging  fage,  beheld 
With  pain  the  triumphs  of  the  field  ; 
And  when  the  charioteer  drew  nigh. 
And,  flufh'd  with  hope,  had  caught  his  eye  : 

K  3  Alas ! 


24^         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Alas  !  unhappy  youth,  he  cry'd, 
Exped  no  praife  from  me  (and  iigh'd)  ; 
With  indignation  I  forvey 
Such  ikill  and  judgment  thrown  away. 
The  time  profufely  fqaander'd  there 
On  vulgar  arts  beneath  thy  care. 
If  well  employ'd,  at  lefs  expence. 
Had  taught  thee  honour,  virtue,  fenfe. 
And  rais'd  thee  from  a  coachman's  fate 
I'o  govern  men,  and  guide  the  ilate. 


To    A     GENTLEMAN, 

On  his   pitching   a   Tent   in  his   G  a  r  d  e  n» 

A   H  !   friend,  forbear,  nor  fright  the  fields 
•*'-*'  With  hordle  fcenes  of  imag'd  war ; 
Content  Hill  roves  the  blooming  wilds. 
And  fearlefs  eafe  attends  her  there  : 
Ah  I  drive  not  the  fv^/eet  wand'rer  from  her  feat. 
Nor  with  rude  arts  profane  lier  lateft  belt  retreat. 

Are  there  not  bowers,  and  fylvan  fcenes. 

By  Nature's  kind  luxuriance  wove  ? 
Has  Romely  lofl:  the  living  greens  ^ 

Which  erll  adorn'd  her  artlefs  grove  ? 
Where  thro'  each  hallow'd  haunt  the  poet  flray'tl, 
^'^nd  met  the  willing  Mufe,  and  peopled  every  fhade. 

But 


I 


To  A  Gentleman  on  pitching  a  Tent,  &c.  247 

But  now  no  bards  thy  woods  among 

Shall  wait  th'  infpiring  Mufe's  call ; 
For  tho'  to  mirth  and  feftal  fong 

Thy  choice  devotes  the  woven  wall. 
Yet  what  avails  that  all  be  peace  within. 
If  horrors  guard  the  gate,  and  icare  Qs  from  the  fcene  ? 

'Tis  true,  of  old  the  patriarch  fpread 

His  happier  tents  which  knew  not  v/ar. 
And  chang'd  at  will  the  trampled  mead 

For  frefher  greens  and  purer  air : 
But  long  has  man  forgot  fach  iimple  ways ; 
Truth  unfufpeding  harm  ! — the  dream  of  ancient  da.ys, 

Ev'n  he,  cut  oiF  from  human  kind, 

(Thy  neighb'ring  wretch)  the  child  of  care. 
Who,  to  his  native  mines  conhn'd. 

Nor  (ees  the  fan,  nor  breathes  the  air. 
But  'midft  the  damps  and  darknefs  of  Earth's  womb 
Drags  out  laborious  life,  and  fcarcely  dreads  the  tomb  ; 

Ev'n  he,  Ihould  fome  indulgent  chance 

Tranfport  him  to  thy  iy'van  reign, 
\^'ou!d  eye  the  floating  veil  afkance. 
And  hide  him  in  his  caves  again. 
While  dire  prcfige  in  every  breeze  that  blows 
Hears  ihrieks,  and  clafliing  arms,  and  all  Germania's 
wees. 

And,  doubt  not,  thy  polluted  lafte 
A  fuddea  vengeance  fhall  purfue; 

R  4  Each 


H8         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS, 

Each  fairy  form  we  whilom  trac'd 
Along  the  morn  or  evening  dew. 
Nymph,  Satyr,  Faun,  Ihall  vindicate  their  grove, 
Robb'd  of  its  genuine  charms,  and  hofpitable  Jove, 

I  fee,  all-arni'd  with  dews  unbleft. 

Keen  frofts,  and  noifome  vapours  drear. 

Already,  from  the  bleak  north-eaH, 
The  Genius  of  the  wood  appear  1 

— Far  other  office  once  his  prime  delight. 
To  nurfe  thy  faplings  tall,  and  heal  the  harms  of  night; 

With  ringlets  quaint  to  curl  thy  fhade. 

To  bid  the  infedl  tribes  retire,  ' 

To  guard  thy  walks,  and  not  invade  — 

O  wherefore  then  provoke  his  ire  ? 
Alas  !   with  pr2.yers,  with  tears,  his  rage  repel, 
Whilcyet  thered'ning  (hoots  with  embryo-bloffums  fwelL 

Too  late  thou'lt  weep,  when  blights  deform 

The  fairell  produce  of  the  year  ; 
Too  late  thou'lt  weep,  when  every  llorm 

Shall  loudly  thunder  in  thy  ear, 
**  Thus,  thus  the  green-hair'd  deities  maintain 
*'  Their  own  eternal  rights,  and  Natuie's  injur'd  reign." 


THE 


{     -49    ] 


THE        LARK, 

A      SIMILE. 
To  the   Reverend   Mr.  


OE  E  how  the  lark,  the  bird  of  day, 

^  Spriiigs  from  the  earth,  and  wings  her  way  I 

To  heav'n's  high  vault  her  courfe  fne  bendi. 

And  fweetly  fings  as  fhe  afcends. 

But  when,  contented  with  her  height. 

She  fhuts  her  wings,  and  cliecks  her  flight, 

J*»Jo  more  (he  chaunts  the  melting  ilrain, 

Eut  fmks  in  filence  to  the  plain. 

This  you  obferv'd,  and  afk'd  from  me. 
My  gentle  friend,  a  fimile. 
So  take  in  homely  verfe,  but  true, 
Jnltcad  cf  one  the  followir-g  two. 

That  larks  are  poet's  birds,  is  known. 
So  make  the  cafe  the  poet's  own. 
And  fee  him  firil:  from  fields  arife 
And  paftoral  fcenes,  to  Ca^lia's  eyes. 
From  thence  the  bo'd  adventurer  fprings 
To  vaulted  roofs,  and  courts,  and  kings. 
*Till  having  crown'd  his  foaring  lays 
With  fomet-.ing  more  than  empty  praife  j 


And, 


ft50  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And,  like  his  readers,  learnt  aright 
To  mingle  profit  with  delight ; 
He  reads  the  news,  he  takes  tlie  air. 
Or  fiumbers  in  his  elbow  chair. 

Or  lay  afide  for  once  grimace. 
And  make  it,  yours,  the  paribn's  cafe  ; 
Who,  leaving  curate's  humble  roof. 
Looks  down  on  crape,  and  fits  aloof. 
Tho'  no  vain  wifh  his  breall  enthrall 
To  (well  in  pomp  pontifical, 
Put  pure  Contentment  feated  there. 
Nor  finds  a  want,  nor  feels  a  care. 
Yet  are  there  rot  to  llain  the  cloth 
(O  may 'ft  thou  live  fecure  from  both  1) 
A  city  pride,  or  country  fioth  ? 
And  may  not  man,  if  touch 'd  with  thefc, 
Refign  his  duty  for  his  eafe  ?  ». 

But  I  forbear ;  for  well  I  ween 
Such  likenings  fuit  with  other  men. 
For  never  can  my  humble  verfe 
The  cautious  ear  of  patron  pierce  ; 
Nor  ever  can  thy  bread  admit 
Degrading  iloth,  or  f;;If-concdt. 

Then  let  the  birds  or  fins;  or  flv. 
As  He£lor  fays,  and  what  care  I  ? 
They  hurt  not  me,  nor  eke  my  friend  ; 
Since,  whatfoe'er  the  fates  intend. 
Nor  he  can  fiuk,  nor  i  afcend. 


TO 


C     ^5^     ] 


To  THE  Honourable 
CHARLES      TOWNSEND. 

/^  CHARLES,  in  abfence  hear  a  friend  complain^ 
^-^  Who  knows  then  lov'll  him  wherefoe'er  he  eces. 
Yet  feels  uneafy  flarts  of  idle  pain, 

And  often  would  be  told  the  thing  he  knows. 
Why  then,  thou  loiterer,  fleets  the  fiient  year. 
How  dar'ft  thou  give  a  friend  unnecefTary  fear  ? 

We  are  not  now  befide  that  ofier'd  flream. 

Where  erft  we  wander'd,  thoughtlefs  of  the  way; 

We  do  not  now  of  diltant  ages  dream. 

And  cheat  in  converfe  half  the  ling'ring  day ; 

No  fancied  heroes  rife  at  our  command, 
And  no  Timoleon  weeps,  and  bleeds  no  Theban  band. 

Yet  why  complain  ?  thou  feelTi  no  want  like  tiiefe. 
From  me,  'tis  true,  but  me  alone  debar'd. 

Thou  frill  in  Granta's  Ihades  enjoy 'ft  at  eafe 

The  books  we  re  verenc'd ,  and  the  friends  we  fhar'd; 

Nor  fee'ft  without  fuch  aids  the  day  decline. 
Nor  think  how  much  their lofs  has  added  weip-ht  to  thine. 

O 

Truth's  genuine  voice,  the  freely-opening  mir-.d. 
Are  thine,  are  friend diip's  and  retirement's  lot ; 

To  converfation  is  the  world  confin'd, 

Priends  of  an  hour,  who  pleafe  and  are  forgot ; 

Aa4 


»5i  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  intereft  ftains,  and  vanity  controuls. 
The  pure  unfullied  thoughts,  and  fallies  of  our  fouls, 

0  I  remember,  and  with  pride  repeat. 

The  rapid  progrefs  which  our  friend fhip  knew ! 
Even  at  the  firil  with  v^dlling  minds  we  met ; 

And  ere  the  root  was  fix'd,  the  branches  grew. 
Jn  vain  had  Fortune  plac'd  her  weak  bjirrier  : 
Clear  was  thy  breafl  from  pride,  and  mine  from  fervile 
fear. 

1  faw  thee  gen'rous,  and  with  joy  can  fay 

Mv  education  rofe  above  my  birth. 
Thanks  to  thofe  parent  fliades,  on  whofe  cold  clay 

Fall  fail  my  tears,  and  lightly  lie  the  earth  ! 
To  them  I  owe  whate'er  I  dare  pretend 
Thou  raw'flwithpartial  eyes,  and  bade  me  call  thee  friend. 

Let  others  meanly  heap  the  treafur'd  flore. 

And  awkward  fondnefs  cares  on  cares  employ 
To  leave  a  race  more  exquifitely  poor, 

PofTefs'd  of  riches  which  they  ne'er  erjoy  ; 
He's  only  kind  who  takes  the  nobler  way 
T'  unbind  the  fprings  of  thought,  and  give  them  power 
to  play. 

His  heirs  Oiall  blefs  him,  and  look  down  with  fccrn 

On  all  that  titles,  birth,  or  wealth  afford; 
Lords  of  themfelves,  thank  heaven  that  they  were  born 

Above  the  fordid  mifer's  glitt'ring  hoard. 
Above  the  fervile  grandeur  of  a  thione. 
For  they  are  Nature's  heirs,  and  all  her  works  their  own. 

TO 


[     «33     ] 


TO      THE       SAME. 
On  the   Death    of  a   Relation. 

/^  CHARLES,  'tis  now  the  tender,  trying  time, 
^"^^  The  hour  of  friendiLip,  the  iad  moment,  when 
You  muft  a  while  indulge  a  virtuous  crime. 

And  hide  your  own  to  eafe  another's  paln> 
The  mournful  tribute  Nature  claims  forego. 
To  calm  a  fofter  breall,  and  win  it  from  its  woe. 

Yet  think  not  Confolation,  vainly  drefi: 
In  Tully's  language,  and  the  learned  pride 
Of  wordy  eloquence,  can  footh  the  hreall 

Of  real  grief,  or  bid  the  tear  fubfide. 
The  heartfelt  tear,  which  ftreams  from  Virtue's  eye : 
For  Virtue's  nobleft  proof  is  foft  humanity. 

Let  dull  unfeeling  pedants  talk  by  rote 
Of  Cato's  foul,  which  could  itfelf  fubdue  ; 

Or  idle  fcraps  of  Stoic  fuftian  quote. 

And  bravely  bear  the  pangs  they  never  knew  s 

Refin'd  from  men,  to  defarts  let  them  fly. 
And,  'mid  their  kindred  rocks,  unpitied  live,  and  die. 

Bat  He,  vvhofe  mercy  melts  in  vernal  fkics, 

Whofe  attribute  is  univeifal  love. 
Knit  man  to  man  by  Nature's  tend'refl  ties. 

And  bade  us  fociai  joys  and  forrows  prove ; 

Bade 


iSA-         W  PI  I  T  E  K  E  A  D  '  s    POEMS* 

Bade  us  bedew  with  tears  the  kindred  urn. 
And  for  a  brother  loil  like  fad  Maria  mourn. 

He  bids  thee  too,  in  vvhifpers  feJt  within. 
For  fure  he  finely  tun'd  thy  locial  foal, 

Haile  to  the  lovely  mourner,  and  reflrain 

Griefs  fwelling  tides  which  in  her  bofom  roll. 

Not  by  obllrudting  the  tumultuous  courfe, 
Eut  ftealing  by  degrees,  and  yielding  to  its  force. 

As  the  kind  parent  treats  the  wounded  child 
With  open  fmiles,  and  only  weeps  by  flealch ; 

Its  wayward  pain  with  condefcenfion  mild 

She  charms  to  rell,  and  cheats  it  into  health : 

So  muft  we  lightly  urge  th'  afSitfled  fair. 
Probe  the  felf  tortur'd  breaft,  and  teach  it  how  to  bear. 

Improve  each  moment  when  th'  elaftic  mind, 

Tir'd  with  its  plaints,  refumes  the  bent  of  mirth  ; 
Lead  it  to  joys,  not  boirtrous,  but  refm'd. 

Far  from  thofe  fcenes  which  gave  its  fcrrows  birth. 
Thro'  the  fmooth  paths  of  Fancy's  flowery  vale. 
And  the  lonp-  devious  tracks  of  fome  well-woven  tale. 

Tho'  oft  I've  known  a  forrow  like  to  theirs. 

In  well-devifed  ftory  painted  ftrong. 
Cheat  the  fond  mourners  of  their  real  cares. 

And  draw  perforce  the  lift'ning  ear  along  ; 
Till  powerful  fiiflion  taught  the  tears  to  flow. 
And  more  than  half  their  grief  bcvvaii'd  another's  woe. 

But 


To  THE  Hon.  CHARLES  TOWNSEND.     255 

But  (he,  alas,  unfortunately  wife. 

Will  fee  thro'  every  fcheme  thy  art  can  frame, 
Rejedl  with  honeft  fcorn  each  mean  difguife. 

And  her  full  fhare  cf  genuine  anguifh  claim  ; 
Wild  as  the  winds  which  Ocean's  face  deform. 
Of  filent  as  the  deep  ere  rolls  th'  impetuous  ilorm. 

W^hy  had  (he  talents  given  beyond  her  fex. 
Or  why  thofe  talents  did  her  care  improve  ? 

Free  from  the  follies  which  weak  minds  perplex. 
But  moft  expos'd  to  all  which  moil  can  move. 

Great  fouls  alone  are  curs'd  with  griefs  excefs. 
That  quicker  finer  fenfe  of  exquifite  diHrefs. 

Yet  (hall  that  power  beyond  her  fex,  at  lafl:. 
Not  giv'n  in  vain,  o'er  grief  itfelf  prevail. 
Stop  thofe  heart-buriling  groans  which  heave  fo  fafl^r 

And  reafon  triumph  where  thy  counfels  fail ; 
Save  when  feme  v/eli -known  obje<5l  ever  dear 
Recalls  th'  untutor'd  figh,  or  fudden- fear  ting  tear.- 

Such  tender  tribute  to  departed  friends 

Thro'  life  ala^  mud  fad  remembrance  pay  ; 
And  fuch,  O  Charles,  when  kinder  fate  extends 
Thy  llronger  thread  beyond  my  fatal  day. 
Such  lliall  I  hoDe  from  thee,  till  thou  refig-n 
That  laft  fure  pledge  of  love  to  fome  poor  friend  of  thine.. 


TO 


456  WHITEHEAD'S    POEM  S.- 

TO       MR.       G  A  R  R  I  C  K. 

/^  N  old  ParnafTus,  t'other  day, 

^^   The  Mufes  met  to  fing  and  phy ; 

Apart  from  all  the  rell  were  Teen 

The  tragic  and  the  comic  queen, 

Engag'd,  perhaps,  in  deep  debate 

On  Rich's,  or  on  Fleetwood's  fate. 

When,  on  a  fudden,  news  was  brought 

That  Garrick  had  the  patent  got. 

And  both  their  Ladylhips  again 

Might  now  return  to  Drury-lane. 

They  bow'd,  they  iimpcr'd,  and  agreed,  ] 

They  wifli'd  the  project  might  fucceed, 

'Twas  very  poflible ;  the  cafe 

Was  likely  too,  and  had  a  face — 

A  face  !   Thalia  titt'ring  cry'd. 

And  could  lier  joy  no  longer  hide  ; 

Why,  filler,  all  the  world  muft  fee 

How  much  this  makes  for  you  and  me  : 

No  longer  now  fnall  we  expoie 

Our  unbought  goods  to  empty  rows. 

Or  meanly  be  oblig'd  to  court 

From  foreign  aid  a  weak  fupport ; 

No  more  the  poor  polluted  fcene 

Shall  teem  with  births  of  Harlequin  ? 

Or  vindicated  ftao-e  Ihall  feel 

The  infults  of  the  dancer's  heel. 

Such  idle  tralh  we'll  kindly  fpare 

To  operas  now— they'll  want  them  there; 


For 


To    Mr.    G  a  R  R  I  C  K.  157 

For  Sadler's-Wells,  they  fay,  this  year 
Ha3  quite  outdone  their  engineer. 

Pugh,  you're  a  wag,  the  bufkin'd  prude 
Reply 'd,  and  fmil'd  ;  befide  'ris  rude 
To  laugh  at  foreigners,  you  know. 
And  triumph  o'er  a  vanquifn'd  fee  : 
For  my  part,  I  iliall  be  content 
If  things  lucceed  as  they  are  meant ; 
And  Ihould  not  be  difpleas'd  to  find 
Seme  changes  of  the  tragic  kind. 
And  fay,  Thalia,  mayn't  we  hope 
The  flage  will  take  a  larger  fcope  ^ 
Shall  he,  wliofe  all-expreifive  powers 
Can  reach  the  heights  which  Shakefpear  foars, 
Defcend  to  touch  an  humbler  key. 
And  tickle  ears  with  poetry ; 
Where  t\try  tear  is  taught  to  flow 
Thro'  many  a  line's  melodious  woe. 
And  heart-felt  pangs  of  deep  dillrefs 
Are  fritter'd  into  fimilies  r 
— O  thou,  whom  Nature  taught  the  art 
To  pierce,  to  cleave,  to  tear  the  heart. 
Whatever  name  delight  thy  ear, 
Othello,  Richard,  Hamlet,  Lear, 
O  undertake  my  juH  defence. 
And  banifh  all  but  Nature  hence  ! 
See,  to  thy  aid  with  flreaming  eyes 
The  fair  aiHidlcd  *  Conftance  flies  j 

*  Mrs.  Clbber  in  the  characlsr  qf  Lady  Coaitancc  in  Shakt- 
frrar's  King  John. 

'  ToL.  LXXil.  S  New 


2^8         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Now  wild  as  winds  in  madncfs  tears 

Her  heaving  breafts,  and  fcatter'd  hairs ; 

Or  low  on  earth  difdains  relief, 

Widi  all  the  confcious  pride  of  grief. 

My  Pritchard  too  in  Hamlet's  queen  — 

The  goddefs  of  the  fportive  vein 

Here  ftop'd  her  fhort,  and  with  a  fneer. 

My  Pritchard,  if  you  pleafe,  my  dear  I 

Her  tragic  merit  I  confefs. 

But  furely  mine's  her  proper  drefs  ; 

Behold  her  there  vvith  native  eafe 

And  native  fpirit,  born  to  pleafe ; 

With  all  Maria's  charms  engage. 

Or  Mihvood's  arts,  or  Touchwood's  rage> 

Thro'  every  foible  trace  the  fair. 

Or  leave  the  town,  and  toilet's  care. 

To  chaunt  in  forefts  unconfin'd 

The  wilder  notes  of  Rofalind. 

•   O  thou,  where -e'er  thou  fix  thy  praife, 
Brute,  Drugger,  Fribble,  Ranger,  Bays  ! 
O  join  with  her  in  my  behalf. 
And  teach  an  audience  when  to  laugh. 
So  fnall  buffoons  with  fhamc  repair 
To  draw  in  fools  at  Smith  field  fair. 
And  real  humour  charm  the  age, 
Tho'  t  Falilaft  Ihould  forfake  the  fiage. 

She  fpoke.     Melpomene  reply'd. 
And  uiuch  was  faid  on  either  fide  ; 

"f  Mr.  Quin,  inimitable  in  that  charafler,  who  was  then  Ic-avin^ 
the  flagc. 

And 


T  o    M  R.    G  A  R  R  I  C  K.  ^59 

And  many  a  chief,  and  many  a  fair. 
Were  mention 'd  to  their  credit  there. 
But  I'll  not  venture  to  difplay 
What  goddefTes  think  fit  to  fay* 
However,  Garrick,  this  at  leafl: 
Appears  by  both  a  truth  confeil. 
That  their  whole  fate  for  many  a  year 
But  hangs  on  your  paternal  care. 
A  nation's  tafte  depends  on  you : 
— Perhaps  a  nation's  virtue  too. 
O  think  how  g-lorious  'twere  to  raife 
A  theatre  to  Virtue's  praife. 
Where  no  indignant  blufh  might  rife. 
Nor  wit  be  taught  to  plead  for  vice  ; 
But  every  young  attentive  ear 
Imbibe  the  precepts,  living  there. 
And  every  unexperienc'd  breait 
There  feel  its  own  rude  hints  expreft. 
And,  waken'd  by  the  glowing  fcene. 
Unfold  the  worth  that  lurks  within. 

If  poflible,  be  perfefb  quite  ; 
A  few  fhort  rales  will  guide  you  right. 
Confult  your  own  good  fenfe  in  all. 
Be  deaf  to  fafnion's  fickle  call. 
Nor  e'er  defcend  from  reafon's  laws 
To  court,  what  you  command,  applaufe. 


S  2  N  A- 


s6o         WHITEHEAD'S    P  O  E  M  S» 


NATURE     TO    Dr.    HOADLY, 

On  his  Comedy  of  the  Suspicious  Husband. 

Q  L  Y  hypocrite  !  was  this  your  aim  ? 
^  To  borrow  Paeon's  facred  name. 
And  lurk  beneath  his  graver  mien. 
To  trace  the  fecrets  of  my  reign  ? 
Did  I  for  this  applaud  your  zeal. 
And  point  out  each  minuter  wheel. 
Which  finely  taught  the  next  to  roll. 
And  made  my  works  one  perfe(rt  whole  ? 
For  who,  but  I,  till  you  appear'd. 
To  model  the  diamatic  herd, 
E*er  bade  to  won'dring  ears  and  eyes. 
Such  pleafmg  intricacies  rife  ? 
Where  every  part  is  nicely  true. 
Yet  touches  IHll  the  mafler  clue ; 
Each  riddle  opening  by  degrees. 
Till  all  unravels  with  fuch  eafe. 
That  only  thofe  who  will  be  blind 
Can  feel  one  doubt  perplex  their  mind. 

Nor  was't  enough,  you  thought,  to  v^-rite  y 
But  you  muft  impioufly  unite 
With  Garrick  too,  who  long  before 
Had  ftoPn  my  whole  expreflive  puvv'r. 

That 


NATURE    TO    Dr.    H  O  A  D  L  Y.     a6j 

That  changeful  Proteus  of  the  llage, 
Ufurps  my  mirth,  my  grief,  my  rage ; 
And  as  his  different  parts  incline. 
Gives  joys  or  pains,  iincere  as  mine. 

Yet  you  fhall  find  (howe'er  elate 
You  triumph  in  your  former  cheat) 
'Tis  not  fo  eafy  to  efcape 
In  Nature's,  as  in  Pason's  fhape. 
For  every  critic,  great  or  fmall. 
Hates  every  thing  that's  natural. 
The  beaux,  and  ladies  too,  can  fay. 
What  does  he  mean  ?  is  this  a  play  ? 
We  fee  fuch  people  every  day. 
Nay  more,  to  chafe,  and  teize  your  fpleen. 
And  teach  you  how  to  fteal  again. 
My  very  fools  fhall  prove  you're  bit. 
And  damn  you  for  your  want  of  wit. 


To  RICHARD  OWEN  CAMBRIDGE,  Esq. 


Tn\  EAR  Cambridge,  teach  your  friend  the  art 

-*^^   You  ufe  to  gain  the  Mufe's  heart. 

And  make  her  fo  entirely  yours. 

That  at  all  feafons,  and  all  hours. 

The  anxious  goddefs  ready  ftands 

To  wait  the  motion  of  your  hands, 

S3  It 


26z  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

It  was  of  old  a  truth  confeft 
That  Doets  muil  have  needful  reft. 
And  every  imp  of  Phcebus'  quire 
To  philofophic  Ihades  retire. 
Amid  thofe  flowery  fcenes  of  eafe 
To  pick  up  fenfe  and  fimilies. 
Had  Virgil  been  from  coaft  to  coall:. 
Like  his  ^neas,  tempeli-toil:. 
Or  pafs'd  life's  flufluating  dream 
On  Tvber's  or  on  Mincio's  flream, 
Ke  might  have  been  expert  in  failing ; 
But  Mffivius  ne'er  had  fear'd  his  railmg. 
Nor  great  Auguftus  fav'd  from  fire 
The  relicks  of  a  trav'ling  fquire. 

Had  Horace  too,  from  dav  to  dav. 
Run  poll  upon  the  Appian  v/ay. 
In  reftlefs  journies  to  and  from 
Brundifium,  Capua,  and  Rome  ; 
The  bard  had  fcarcely  found  a  time 
To  put  that  very  road  in  rhyme  ; 
Apd  fav'd  great  cities  much  expence 
In  lab'ring  to  miilake  his  fenfe. 

Nay  he,  whofe  Greek  is  out  of  date 
Since  Pope  defcended  to  tranflate, 
Tho'  wand'rlng  flill  from  place  to  pla^e. 

At  leaft  lay  by  in  ilormy  weather 
(Whate'er  Perrault  or  Wotton  fays) 

Tp  tack  his  rhapfcdies  together. 


5ut 


To  RICILrVRD  OWEN  CAMBRIDGE,  ES(^  263 

But  you,  revcrfing  every  rule 
Of  ancient  or  of  modern  fchool. 
Nor  hurt  by  noife,  nor  cramp'd  by  rhymes. 
Can  all  things  do,  and  at  all  times. 
Your  own  Scriblerua  never  knew 
A  more  unfettled  life  than  you. 
Yet  Pope  in  Twit'nam's  peaceful  grot 
Scarce  ever  more  corredlly  thought. 
Jn  whirligigs  it  is  confeil 
The  middle  line's  a  line  of  reft  ; 
And,  let  the  fides  fly  how  they  will. 
The  central  point  muft  needs  (land  llill. 
Perhaps  your  mind,  like  one  of  thefe. 
Beholds  the  tumult  round  at  eafe. 
And  ftands,  as  firm  as  rock  in  ocean. 
The  center  of  perpetual  motion. 

That  Csfar  did  three  things  at  once, 
Is  known  at  fchool  to  every  dunce  ; 
But  your  more  comprehenfive  mind 
Leaves  pidling  Ca'far  far  behind. 
You  fpread  the  lawn,  direcl  the  flood. 
Cut  viftas  thro',  or  plant  a  wood. 
Build  China's  barks  for  Severn's  ftream. 
Or  form  new  plans  for  Epic  fame. 
And  then,  in  fpite  of  wind  or  weather. 
You  read,  row,  ride,  and  write  together. 

But  'tis  not  your  undoubted  claim 
To  naval  or  equellrian  fame, 

S  4  Your 


ȣ4         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Your  nicer  tafte,  or  quicker  parts. 

In  rural  or  mechanic  arts, 

(Tho'  each  alone  in' humbler  ftation 

Might  raife  both  wealth  and  reputation) 

It  is  not  thefe  that  I  would  have. 

Bear  them,  o'  God's  name,  to  your  grave. 

But  'tis  that  unexhaufled  vein. 

That  quick  conception  without  pain. 

That  fomething,  for  no  words  can  {how  it. 

Which  without  leifure  makes  a  poet. 

Sure  Nature  call,  indulgent  dame. 
Some  ftrange  peculiar  in  your  frame. 
From  whofe  well-lodg'd  proliiic  feeds 
This  inexpreiTive  power  proceeds. 

Or  does  Thalia  court  vour  arms 
Becaufe  you  feem  to  flight  her  charms. 
And,  like  her  lifter  females,  fly 
From  our  dull  afliduity. 
If  that's  the  cafe,  I'll  foon  be  free, 
I'll  put  on  airs  as  well  as  fhe  ; 
And  ev'n  in  *  this  poetic  fliade. 
Where  erft  with  Pope  and  Gay  fhe  play'd, 
Ev'n  here  I'll  iaW  her  to  her  face 
I've  learn'd  to  fcorn  a  forc'd  embrace. 
In  fhort,  here  ends  her  former  reign  ; 
And  if  we  e'er  begin  again 
It  muf!:  be  on  another  fcore  — 
I'll  write  like  you,  or  write  no  more. 

♦  Middleton  park,  Oxfordililre. 


TO 


C     ^^5     1 


To     Mr,     mason, 

I. 

"O  E  L  I  E  V  E  me,  Maf^n,  'tis  In  vain 
-■"^  Thy  fortitude  the  torrent  braves ; 
Thou  too  muft  bear  th'  inp;!orious  chain  ; 

The  world,  the  world  will  have  its  flaves. 
The  chofen  friend,  for  converfe  fweet. 
The  fmall,  yet  elegant  retreat. 
Are  peaceful  unambitious  views 

Which  early  fancy  loves  to  form. 
When  aided  by  th'  ingenuous  Mufe, 
She  turns  the  philofophic  page. 
And  fees  the  wife  of  ^Nzry  age 

With  Nature's  di^lates  warm. 

II. 
But  ah  !   to  few  has  fortune  given 

The  choice,  to  take  or  to  refufe ; 
To  fewer  Hill  indulgent  heaven 

Allots  the  very  will  to  chufe. 
And  why  are  varying  fchemes  prefer'd  ? 
Man  mixes  with  the  common  herd  : 
By  cullom  guided  to  purfae. 

Or  wealthy  or  honours,  fame,  or  eafe. 
What  others  wifh  he  v/ifhes  too  ; 
Nor  from  his  own  peculiar  choice, 
'Till  ftrengthen'd  by  the  public  voice, 

liii  \cv\'  pieafures  pleafe. 


I.  Kow 


166         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

III. 

How  oft,  beneath  fome  hoary  (hade 

Where  Cam  glides  indolently  flow. 
Haft  thou,  as  indolently  laid, 

Prefer'd  to  heaven  thy  fav'rite  vow  : 
*'  Here,  here  forever  let  me  ftay, 
**  Here  calmly  loiter  life  away, 
'*  Nor  all  thofe  vain  connexions  know 

*'  Which  fetter  down  the  free-born  mind, 
"  The  Have  of  intereft,  or  of  Ihow  ; 
*'  While  yon  gay  tenant  of  the  grove, 
"  The  happier  heir  of  Nature's  love, 

**  Can  waible  unconfm'd.'* 

IV. 

Yet  fare,  my  friend,  th'  eternal  plan 

By  truth  unerrino-  was  defien'd: 
Inferior  parts  were  made  for  man. 

But  man  him-felf  for  all  mankind. 
Then  by  th'  apparent  jadge  th'  unfeen  ; 
Behold  how  rolls  this  vaft  machine 
To  one  great  end,  howe'er  withltood. 

Directing  its  impartial  courfe. 
A!l  labour  for  the  general  good. 
3ome  ftem  the  wave,  fome  till  the  foil. 
By  choice  the  bold,  th'  ambuious  toil. 

The  indolent  by  force, 

V.  That 


To    Mr.     M  A  S  O  N.  a^j 


V. 


That  bird,  thy  fancy  frees  from  care. 

With  many  a  fear  unknown  to  thee, 
Mufl:  rove  to  glean  his  fcanty  fare 

From  field  to  field,  from  tree  to  tree. 
His  lot,  united  with  his  kind, 
Ih.s  all  his  hule  joys  cor.fin'd  ; 
The  Lover's  and  the  Parent's  ties 

Alarm  by  turns  his  anxious  breall. 
Yet,  bound  by  fate,  by  inilinfl  wife. 
He  hails  with  fongs  the  rifing  morn. 
And,  pleas'd  at  evening's  ccol  return. 

He  lings  himfelf  to  reft. 

vr. 

And  tell  me,  has  not  Nature  made 

Some  Jlated  void  for  thee  to  fill, 
$ome  fpring,  feme  wheel,  wliich  i^(ks  thy  ai4 

To  move,  regardkfs  of  thy  will  ? 
Go  then,  go  feel  with  glad  furprife 
New  blifs  from  new  attentions  rife  ; 
Till,  happier  in  thy  wider  fphere. 

Thou  q-Jit  thy  darling  fchemes  of  eafe  ; 
Nay,  glowing  in  the  fail  career, 
pv'n  wifh  thy  virtuous  labours  more; 
Nor  'till  the  toilfcme  day  is  o*er 

pxpec];  the  night  of  peace, 


■%6%  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


To    THE    Rev.    Dr.    L  O  W  T  H  *. 

On   his   Life   of  William    of  W  y  k  e  h  a  m. 

f\  L  O  W  T  H,  while  Wykeham*s  various  worth  you 
^-^  trace. 

And  bid  to  diftar.t  times  his  annals  Ihine, 
Indulge  another  bard  cf  Wykeham's  race 

In  the  fond  wilh  to  add  his  name  to  thine. 

From  the  fame  fount,  with  reverence  let  me  boaft. 
The  claiTic  ilreams  with  early  thirfl  I  caught ; 

What  time,  they  fay,  the  Mufes  revel'd  moil. 
When  Bigg  prefided,  and  when  Burton  taught. 

But  the  fame  fate,  which  led  me  to  the  fpring. 
Forbad  me  farther  to  purfae  the  ftream  : 

Perhaps  as  kindly ;  for,  as  fages  fing. 
Of  chance  and  fate  full  idly  do  we  deem. 

And  fure  in  Granta's  philcfophic  fhade 

Truth's  genuine  image  beam'd  upon  my  iight ; 

And  llow-ey'd  Reafon  lent  his  fober  aid 

To  form,  deduce,  compare,  and  judge  aright. 

Yes,  ye  fvveet  fields,  bellde  your  ofier'd  ftream 
Full  many  an  Attic  hour  my  youth  enjoy'd ; 


*  Afttrwii'd  BlihoD  of  London. 


Full 


To  THE  Rev.  Dr.    L  O  W  T  H.  269 

Full  many  a  friendfhip  form'd,  lifc::'s  happlcll  dream. 
And  treafur'd  many  a  blifs  which  never  cloy'd. 

Yet  may  the.  Pilgrim,  o'er  his  temperate  fare 

At  eve,  with  pleafing  TscoWeddon  fay 
'Twas  the  frelli  morn  v.'hich  ftrung  his  nerves  to  bear 

The  piercing  beam,  and  ufefal  toils  of  day. 

So  let  me  ftill  with  filial  love  purfae 

The  nurfe  and  parent  of  my  infant  thought. 

From  whence  the  colour  of  my  life  I  drew. 

When  Bigg  prefided,  and  when  Barton  taught. 

O  names  by  me  rever'd  I  —  'till  memory  die, 
'Till  my  deaf  ear  forget  th'  enchanting  flow 

Of  verfe  harmonious,  fhall  my  mental  eye 

Trace  back  old  time,  and  teach  my  breaft  to  glow. 

Peace  to  that  honour'd  fhade,  whofe  mortal  fram« 

Sleeps  in  the  bofom  of  its  parent  earth. 
While  his  freed  foul,  vvhicli  boafls  celeilial  flame. 

Perhaps  now  triumphs  in  a  nobler  birth. 

Perhaps  v^ith  Wykeham,  from  fome  blifsful  bower. 
Applauds  thy  labours,  or  prepares  the  wreath 

For  Burton's  generous  toil. — Th'  infatiate  power 
Extends  his  deathfui  fv.-ay  o'er  all  that  breathe  3 

Nor  aught  avails  it,  that  the  virtuous  fage 

Forms  future  bards,  or  Wykehams  yet  to  come  ; 

Nor  ought  avails  it,  that  his  green  old  age. 

From  youth  well  fpent,  may  icem  t'elude  the  tortb  : 

For 


«70         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

For  Burton  too  mufl  Ld\.     And  o'er  his  urn. 

While  fcience  hangs  her  fculptur'd  trophies  rounds 

The  letter'd  tribes  of  half  an  ao-e  fhall  mourn, 
Whofe  lyres  he  Ib-ung,  and  added  fenfe  to  found. 

Nor  (hall  his  candid  ear,  I  truft,  difdain 

This  artlefs  tribute  of  a  feeling  mind  ; 
And  thou,  O  Lowth,  fnalt  own  the  grateful  flrain^ 

Mean  tho'  it  flow,  was  virtuoufly  defign'd ; 

For  'twas  thy  work  infpir'd  the  melting  mood 
To  feel,  and  pay  the  facred  debt  1  ow"d  : 

And  the  next  virtue  to  bellcwing  good. 

Thou  know'fl,  is  gratitude  for  good  beflow'd. 

To  THE  Rev.  Mr.   WRIGHT.     1751. 

Pv  I T  H  E  E  teize  me  no  longer,  dear  troublefome 
friend, 

On  a  fubjedl  which  wants  not  advice  : 
You  may  make  me  unhappy,  bat  never  can  mend 
Thofe  ills  I  have  learnt  to  defpife. 

You  fay  I'm  dependent ;  what  then  ? — if  I  make 

That  dependence  quite  eafy  to  me. 
Say  why  Ihould  you  CRvy  my  lucky  mifcake. 

Or  why  fhould  i  wifh  to  be  free  ? 

Many  men  of  lefs  worth,  you  partially  cry. 

To  fplendor  and  opulence  foar  ; 
S^uppofe  I  allow  it ;  yjt,  pray  fir,  am  I 

Lefs  happy  becaufe  tliey  are  more  ? 

But 


To  THE  Rev.  Mr.    WRIGHT.  271 

But  why  faid  I  happy  r  I  aim  not  at  that, 

?Jere  eafe  is  my  humble  requeft  ; 
I  would  neither  repine  at  a  niggardly  fate. 

Nor  ftretch  my  wings  far  from  my  nell. 

Nor  e'er  may  my  pride  or  my  folly  reflect 
On  the  fav'rites  whom  Fortune  has  made, 

Rec^ardlefs  of  thoufands  who  pine  with  negledl 
In  penfive  obfcurity's  fhade  ; 

With  whom  when  comparing  the  merit  I  bcaft, 

Tho'  rais'd  by  indulgence  to  fame, 
I  fink  in  confufion  be  wilder 'd  and  loll. 

And  wonder  I  am  what  I  am  ! 

And  what  are  thefe  wonders,  thefe  blefUngs  relin'd 

Which  fplendor  and  opulence  fhower  r 
The  health  of  the  body,  and  peace  of  the  mind. 

Are  tilings  which  are  out  of  their  power. 

To  Contentment's  calm  funfhine,  the  lot  of  th^  hw. 

Can  infolent  greatnefs  pretend  ? 
Or  can  it  bellow,  what  I  boaft  of  in  you. 

That  blening  of  blcllings,  a  friend  ? 

We  may  pay  fome  regard  to  the  rich  and  the  great. 
But  how  feldom  we  love  them  you  know ; 

Or  if  we  do  love  them,  it  is  not  their  ilate. 
The  tlnfc'l  and  oiuinc  of  the  ihow. 


But  fome  fecret  virtues  we  find  in  the  heart 
When  the  mafk  is  laid  kindiv  afide. 


Which 


i^2  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Which  birth  can  not  give  them,  nor  riches  impart. 
And  which  never  once  heard  of  their  pride. 

A  flow  of  good  (pirlts  I've  feen  with  a  fmile 

To  worth  make  a  Ihallow  pretence  ; 
And  the  chat  of  good  breeding  with  eafe,  for  a  while. 

May  pafs  for  good  nature,  and  (erSe ; 

But  where  is  the  bofom  untainted  by  art. 

The  judgment  fo  modeil  and  (lay'd, 
7  hat  union  fo  rare  of  the  head  and  the  heart. 

Which  fixes  the  friends  it  iias  made  ? 

For  thcfe  whom  the  great  and  the  wealthy  employ 

Their  pleafure  or  vanity's  ilaves, 
Whate'er  they  can  give  I  without  them  enjoy. 

And  am  rid  of  juil  (o  many  knaves. 

For  the  many  whom  titles  alone  can  allure. 

And  the  blazon  of  ermine  and  gules, 
I  wrap  m.yfelf  round  in  my  lownefs  fecure. 

And  am  rid  of  juft  fo  many  fools. 

Then  why  ihould  I  covet  v.-liat  cannot  increafe 
My  delights,  and  may  lellcn  their  ilore  ; 

^|-V  prefent  condition  is  quiet  and  eafe, 
Ai:d  what  can  my  future  be  more  ? 

£h;)uld  Fortune  capriciouny  ceafe  to  be  coy. 

And  in  torrents  of  plenty  defcend, 
I  r'oubtlefs,  like  others,  lliould  clalp  her  with  joy. 

And  ray  wants  and  my  v,ijlies  extend.    . 

But 


To  THE  Rev.  Mr.    WRIGHT.  273 

But  fince  'tis  denied  me,  and  heaven  beft  knows 

Whether  kinder  to  grant  it  or  not. 
Say  why  fhould  I  vainly  difturb  my  repofe. 

And  peeviihly  earp  at  my  lot  ? 

No  ;  flill  let  me  follow  fage  Horace's  rule. 
Who  tried  all  things,  and  held  fail  the  bell ; 

Learn  daily  to  put  all  my  paffions  to  fchool. 
And  keep  the  due  poife  of  my  bread. 

Thus,  firm  at  the  helm,  I  glide  calmly  away 
Like  the  merchant  long  us'd  to  the  deep. 

Nor  trull  for  my  fafety  on  Life's  Hormy  fea 
To  the  gilding  and  paint  of  my  Ihip. 

Nor  yet  can  the  giants  of  honour  and  pelf 

My  want  of  ambition  deride. 
He  who  rules  his  own  bofom  is  lord  of  himfelf, 

And  lord  of  all  nature  befide. 


ODE    TO    THE     TIBER. 
On  entering  the  Campania  of  Rome,  at  Otricoli^ 

I. 

T  T  AIL  facred  ilream,  whofe  waters  roll 
•*■  ^  Immortal  thro'  the  claffic  page  I 
To  Thee  the  Mufe-devoted  foul, 

Tho'  deilin'd  to  a  later  age 

Vol.  LXXII.  T  Md 


174         WHITEHEAD'S    P  OEMS. 

And  lefs  indulgent  clime,  to  thee. 
Nor  thou  difdain,  in  Runic  lays 
Weak  mimic  of  true  harmony. 

His  grateful  homage  pays. 
Far  other  ftrains  thine  elder  ear 
With  pleas'd  attention  wont  to  hear. 
When  he,  who  ftrung  the  Latian  lyre. 
And  he,  who  led  th'  Aonian  quire 

From  Mantua's  reedy  lakes  with  ofiers  crown'd. 
Taught  echo  from  thy  banks  with  tranfport  to  refound. 
Thy  banks  ? — alas,  is  this  the  boafted  fcene. 
This  dreary,  wide,  uncultivated  plain. 
Where  fick'ning  Nature  wears  a  fainter  green. 
And  defolation  fpreads  her  torpid  reign  ? 
Is  this  the  fcene  where  Freedom  breath 'd. 
Her  copious  horn  where  Plenty  wreath'd. 

And  health  at  opening  day 
Bade  all  her  rofeate  breezes  fly. 
To  wake  the  fons  of  induflrv. 

And  make  their  fields  m.ore  gay  ? 

II. 

Where  is  the  villa's  rural  pride. 

The  fwelling  dome's  imperial  gleam. 
Which  lov'd  to  grace  thy  verdant  fide. 

And  tremble  in  thy  golden  flream  ? 
Where  are  the  bold,  the  bufy  throngs. 

That  ruixi'd  impatient  to  the  war, 
Or  tun'd  to  peace  triumphal  fongs. 
And  haii'd  the  paifmg  car  } 

Alone 


O  D  E    TO    THE    TIBER.  275 

Along  the  folitary  *  road, 
Th'  eternal  flint  by  Confuls  trod, 
We  mufe,  and  mark  the  fad  decays 
Of  mighty  works,  and  mighty  days  ! 
For  thefe  vile  vvaftes,  we  cry,  had  Fate  decreed 
That  Veil's  fons  Ihould  ftrive,  for  thefe  Camillas  bleed  ? 
Did  here,  in  after-times  of  Roman  pride. 

The  muflng  fhepherd  from  Sorade's  height 
See  towns  extend  where'er  thy  waters  glide. 
And  temples  rife,  and  peopled  farms  unite  ? 
They  did.     For  this  deferted  plain 
The  hero  flrove,  nor  ftrove  in  vain  ; 

And  here  the  fhepherd  faw 
Unnumber'd  towns  and  temples  fpread. 
While  Rome  majelHc  rear'd  her  head. 
And  gave  the  nations  law. 

III. 

Yes,  Thou  and  Latium  once  were  great. 

And  dill,  ye  firft  of  human  things. 
Beyond  the  grafp  of  time  or  fate 

Her  fame  and  thine  triumphant  fprings. 
What  tho'  the  mould'ring  columns  fall. 

And  ftrow  the  defart  earth  beneath, 
Tho'  ivy  round  each  nodding  wall 

Entwine  it's  fatal  wreath. 
Yet  fay,  can  Rhine  or  Danube  boalt 
The  numerous  glories  thou  haft  loft  ? 

•  The  Flamlnian  way. 

T  z  Car? 


%y6         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS* 

Can  ev'n  Euphrates'  palmy  ftiore. 
Or  Nile,  with  all  his  myftic  lore. 
Produce  from  old  records  of  genuine  fame 
Such  heroes,  poets,  kings,  or  emulate  thy  name? 
Ev'n  now  the  Mufe,  the  confcious  Mufe  is  here; 

From  every  ruin's  formidable  ih-ade 
Eternal  muik  breathes  on  fancy's  ear. 
And  wakes  to  more  than  form  th'  illuiHous  ded.4. 
Thy  Caefars,  Scipios,  Catos  rife. 
The  great,  the  virtuous,  and  the  wife. 

In  folemn  ftate  advance  ! 
They  fix  the  philofophic  eye. 
Or  trail  the  robe,  or  lift  on  high 
The  light'ning  of  the  lance. 

IV. 

Bat  chief  that  humbler  happier  trsin. 
Who  knew  thofe  virtues  to  reward 
Beyond  the  reach  of  chance  or  pain 

Secure,  th'  hiftorian  and  the  bard. 
By  them  the  hero's  generous  rage 

Still  warm  in  youth  immortal  lives  j 
And  in  their  adamantine  page 
Thy  glory  Ilill  furvives. 
Thro'  deep  favannahs  wild  and  vail:. 
Unheard,  unknown  thro'  ages  paft. 
Beneath  the  fun's  direfkr  beams. 
What  copious  torrents  pour  their  llreams  ! 
No  fame  have  they,  no  fend  pretence  to  mourn. 
No  annals  fwell  their  pride,  or  grace  their  ftoried  urn. 

While 


ODE    TO    THE    TIBER.  z-j 

While  thou,  with  Rome's  exalted  genius  join'd. 

Her  fpear  yet  lifted,  and  her  corflet  brac'd, 
Canft  tell  the  waves,  canft  tell  the  palling  wind. 
Thy  wond'rous  tale,  and  chear  the  lilVning  wafle. 
Tho'  from  his  caves  th'  unfeeling  North 
Pour'd  all  his  legion'd  tempefts  forth. 

Yet  ftill  thv  laurels  bloom  : 
One  deathlefs  glory  ftill  remains, 
fhy  llream  has  roll'd  thro'  Latian  plainly 
Has  walh'd  the  walls  of  Rome. 


T  3  E  L  E- 


S7«         WHITEHEAD'S    P0J:MS. 


ELEGIES, 


ELEGY        I. 

Written  at   the   Convent   of  Haut   Villers 
in  Champagne,  1754. 

O I L  E  N  T  and  clear,  thro'  yonder  peaceful  vale, 
*^  While  Marne's  flow  waters  weave  their  mazy  way, 
See,  to  th'  exulting  fun,  and  foft'ring  gale. 

What  boundlefs  treafures  his  rich  banks  difplay  ! 

Fall  by  the  flream,  and  at  the  mountain's  bafe. 
The  lowing  herds  thro'  living  paftures  rove  ; 

Wide  waving  harvefts  crown  the  rifing  fpace ; 
And  Hill  fuperior  nods  the  viny  grove. 

High  on  the  top,  as  guardian  of  the  fcene. 
Imperial  Sylvan  fpreads  his  umbrage  wide  ; 

Nor  wants  there  many  a  cot,  and  fpire  between. 

Or  in  the  vale,  or  on  the  mountain's  fide,  j 

i 

To  mark  that  man,  as  tenant  of  the  whole,  * 

Claims  the  juil  tribute  of  his  culturing  care. 

Yet  pays  to  Heaven,  in  gratitude  of  foul. 

The  boon  which  Heaven  accepts,  of  praife  and  prayer, 

Odh-e 

1 


E  L  E  G  Y      I.  279 

O  dire  eiFetfls  of  war  !  the  time  has  been 
When  defolation  vaunted  here  her  reign ; 

One  ravag'd  defart  was  yon  beauteous  fcene. 
And  Marne  ran  purple  to  the  frighted  Seine, 

Oft  at  his  work,  the  toilfome  day  to  cheat. 
The  fwain  ftili  talks  of  thofe  difaftrous  times 

When  Guife's  pride,  and  Conde's  ill-ilar'd  heat, 
Tauo-ht  Chriflian  zeai  to  authorize  their  crimes  : 

Oft  to  his  children  fportive  on  the  grafs 
Does  dreadful  tales  of  worn  Tradition  tell. 

Oft  po-ints  to  Epernay's  ill-fated  pafs 

Where  force  thrice  triumph'd,  and  where  Biron  fell. 

O  dire  eiFeds  of  war  I — may  ever  more 

Thro'  this  fweet  vale  the  voice  of  difcord  ceafe '. 

A  Britifh  bard  to  Gallia's  fertile  (hore 
Can  wifh  the  bleffings  of  eternal  peace,. 

Yet  fay,  ye  monks,  (beneath  whofe  mofs-grown  feat. 
Within  whofe  cloifter'd  cells  th'  indebted  Mufe 

Awhile  fojourns,  for  meditation  meet. 

And  thefe  loofe  thoughts  in  penfive  flrain  purfues,) 

Avails  it  aught,  that  war's  rude  tumults  fpare 
Yon  cjufter'd  vineyard,  or  yon  golden  field. 

If,  niggards  to  yourfelves,  and  fond  of  care. 
You  flight  the  joys  their  copious  treafures  yield  ? 

Avails  it  aught,  that  Nature's  liberal  hand 
With  every  bleffing  grateful  man  can  know, 

T  ^  Clothes 


aSo  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Clothes  the  rich  bofom  of  yon  fmiling  land. 
The  mountain's  Hoping  fide,  or  pendant  brow. 

If  meagre  famine  paint  your  pallid  cheek. 

If  breaks  the  midnight  bell  your  hours  of  reft. 

If,  *midft  heart-chilling  damps,  and  winter  bleak. 
You  fhun  the  chearful  bowl,  and  moderate  feaft  1 

Look  forth,  and  be  convint:'d  !  'tis  Nature  pleads. 
Her  ample  volume  opens  on  your  view  : 

The  fimple-minded  fwain,  who  running  reads. 
Feels  the  glad  truth,  and  is  it  hid  from  you  ? 

Look  forth,  and  be  convinc'd.     Yon  profpefls  v/ide 
To  reafon's  ear  how  forcibly  they  fpeak  : 

Compar'd  with  thofe  how  dull  is  letter'd  pride. 
And  Auilin's  babbling  eloquence  how  weak  I 

Tem.p'rancC;,  not  abftinence,  in  every  blifs 

Is  man's  true  joy,  and  therefore  Heaven's  comman4. 

Th«  wretch  who  riots  thanks  his  God  amifs : 
Who  ftarves,  rejefts  the  bounties  of  his  hand. 

Mark,  while  the  Marne  in  yon  full  channel  glides. 
How  fmooth  his  courfe,  how  Nature  fmiles  around  ! 

But  {hould  impetuous  torrents  fvvell  his  tides, 
I'he  fairy  landfhip  fmks  in  oceans  drown'd. 

3Mor  h{s  difaflrous,  fhould  his  thrifty  urn 
Negleded  leave  the  once  well-water'd  land. 

To  dreary  waftes  yon  paradife  would  turn. 
Polluted  coze,  or  heaps  of  barren  fand. 

ELE- 


I  281  ] 

ELEGY        II. 

On  *  THE  Mausoleum  of  AUGUSTUS. 

To  the  Right  Honourable 
George  Bussy  Villiers,   Vifcoant  Villiers, 

Written  at  Rome,  1756. 

AMID  thefe  mould'ring  walls,  this  marble  rourid, 
^  •*"     Where  flept  the  heroes  of  the  Julian  name. 
Say,  fhall  we  linger  ftill  in  thought  profound. 
And  meditate  the  mournful  paths  to  fame  ? 

What  tho'  no  cyprefs  fhades,  in  funeral  rows. 
No  fculptur'd  urns,  the  laft  records  of  fate. 

O'er  the  fiirunk  terrace  wave  their  baleful  boughs. 
Or  breathe  in  floried  emblems  of  the  great ; 

Yet  not  with  heedlefs  eye  will  we  furvey 

The  fcene  tho'  chang'd,  nor  negligently  tread  ; 

Thefe  variegated  walks,  however  gay. 
Were  once  the  filent  manfions  of  the  dead. 

In  every  flirub,  in  every  flow'ret's  bloom 

That  paints  with  diiferent  hues  yon  fmiling  plain. 
Some  hero's  alhes  iiTue  from  the  tomb. 
And  live  a  vegetative  life  again. 

*  It  is  now  a  garden  belonging  to  Marchsle  dl  Corre. 

For 


aSt         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS, 

For  matter  dies  not,  as  the  Sages  fay. 
But  fhifts  to  other  forms  the  pliant  mafs. 

When  the  free  fpirit  quits  its  cumb'rous  clay. 
And  fees,  beneath,  the  rolling  planets  pafs. 


I 


Ida 


Perhaps,  my  Villiers,  for  I  fing  to  the 
Perhaps,  unknowing  of  the  bloom  it  gives. 

In  yon  fair  fcyon  of  Apollo's  tree 

The  facred  dufl  of  young  Marcellus  lives. 

Pluck  not  the  leaf — 'twere  facrilege  to  wound 

Th'  ideal  memory  of  fo  fweet  a  {hade  ; 
In  thefe  fad  feats  an  early  grave  he  found. 

And  *  the  firil  rites  to  gloomy  Dis  convey 'd. 

Witnefs  f  thou  field  of  iVlars,  that  oft  hadll  known 
His  youthful  triumphs  in  the  mimic  war. 

Thou  heard'ft  the  heart-felt  univerfal  groan. 
When  o'er  thy  bofom  roli'd  the  funeral  car. 

Witnefs  X  thou  Tufcan  flream,  where  oft  he  glovv'd 
In  fportive  flrugglings  with  th'  oppofing  wave. 

Fail:  by  the  recent  tomb  thy  waters  flovv'd 

While  wept  the  wife,  the  virtuous,  and  the  brave. 

*  He  is  faid  to  be  the  firft  perfon  buried  in  this  monument. 

■}■  Quantos  ille  virum  niagnanti  Mavortis  ad  urbem 
Campus  aget  gemitus  I 

J——— Vel  qua?,  Tyberlne,  videbis 

Funera,  cum  tumulam  prasterlabere  rccentem.        Virg. 

Olofl 


ELEGY      ir.  aSj 

O  lofl  too  foon! — yet  why  lament  a  fate 

By  thoufands  envied,  and  by  Heav'n  approv'd  ? 

Rare  is  the  boon  to  thole  of  longer  date 

To  live,  to  die,  admir'd,  elleem'd,  belov'd. 

Weak  are  our  judgments,  and  our  paffions  warm. 
And  ilowly  dawns  the  radiant  morn  of  truth. 

Our  expedlations  hailily  we  form. 

And  much  we  pardon  to  ingenuous  youth. 

Too  oft  we  {atiate  on  the  applaufe  we  pay 
To  rinng  merit,  and  refume  the  crown  ; 

Full  many  a  blooming  genius  fnatch'd  away. 
Has  fall'n  lamented  who  had  liv'd  unknown. 

For  hard  the  talk,  O  Villiers,  to  fuftain 
Th'  important  burthen  of  an  early  fame  ; 

Each  added  day  iome  added  worth  to  gain. 
Prevent  each  wilh,  and  anfvver  every  claim. 

Be  thou  Marcellus,  with  a  length  of  days  1 
Bat  O  remember,  whatfoe'er  thou  art. 

The  moft  exalted  breath  of  human  praife 
To  pleafe  indeed  mufl  echo  from  the  heart. 

Tho*  thou  be  brave,  be  virtuous,  and  be  wife. 
By  all,  like  him,  admir'd,  efceem'd,  belov'd ; 

'Tis  from  within  alone  true  Fame  can  rife. 
The  only  happy  is  the  felf- approv'd. 


ELE- 


284         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


ELEGY        III, 

To  the  Right  Honourable 
George  Simon  Harcourt,  Vifcount  Nuneham, 


Written  at  Rome,  1756. 

"TT'E  S,  noble  youth,  'tis  true;  the  fofter  arts, 

-*•        The  fweetly-founding  ft.ing,  and  pencil's  power^ 
Have  warm'd  to  rapture  even  heroic  hearts. 
And  taught  the  rude  to  wonder,  and  adore. 

For  beauty  charms  us,  whether  fhe  appears 
In  blended  colours  ;  or  to  foothing  found 

Attunes  her  voice ;  or  fair  proportion  wears 
In  yonder  fwelling  dome's  harmonious  round. 

All,  all  {he  charms ;  but  not  alike  to  all 
'Tis  given  to  revel  in  her  blifsful  bower  ; 

Coercive  ties,  and  Reafon's  powerful  call. 

Bid  fome  but  taile  the  fweets,  which  fome  devour. 

When  Nature  govern'd,  and  when  man  was  young. 
Perhaps  at  will  th'  untutor'd  favage  rov'd. 

Where  waters  murmur 'd,  and  v/here  clufters  hung. 
He  fed,  and  flept  beneath  the  Ihade  he  lov'd. 

5u$ 


ELEGY      III.  2S5 

But  fince  tlie  Sage's  more  fagacious  mind. 

By  Heaven's  permiffion,  or  by  Heaven's  command. 

To  polifh'd  ibtes  has  focial  laws  alTign'd, 
And  general  good  on  partial  duties  plann'd. 

Not  for  ourfelves  our  vagrant  fteps  we  bend 
As  heedlefs  ehance,  or  wanton  choice  ordain  j 

On  various  Itations  various  tafks  attend. 
And  men  are  hern  to  trifle  or  to  rsign. 

As  chaunts  the  woodman,  while  the  Dryads  v.eep. 
And  falling  forefts  fear  the  uplifted  blow ; 

As  chaunts  the  fhepherd,  while  he  tends  his  deep. 
Or  weaves  to  pliant  forms  the  ofier  bough  : 

To  me  'tis  given,  whom  fortune  loves  to  lead 
Thro'  humbler  toils  to  life's  fequefter'd  bowers. 

To  me  'tis  given  to  wake  th'  amufive  reed. 
And  footh  with  fcng  the  folitary  hours. 

But  thee  fjperlor,  ibberer  toils  demand. 
Severer  paths  are  thine  of  patriot  fame  ; 

Thy  birth,  thy  friends,  ihy  king,  thy  native  land. 
Have  given  thte  honours,  and  have  each  thsir  claim. 

Then  nerve  with  fortitude  thv  feelinp;  breall 
Each  wifh  to  combat,  and  each  pain  to  bear  ; 

Spurn  with  difdain  th'  inglorious  love  of  reft. 
Nor  let  the  Syren  Eafe  approach  thine  ear. 

Beneath 


■s85         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS, 

Beneath  yon  cyprefs  fhade's  eternal  green 
See  proftrate  Rome  her  wondrous  flory  tell, 

Mark  how  fhe  rofe  the  world^s  imperial  queen. 
And  tremble  at  the  profpecl  how  fhe  fell  1 

Not  that  my  rigid  precepts  would  require 
A  painful  liruggling  with  each  adverfe  gale. 

Forbid  thee  liHen  to  th*  enchanting  lyre. 
Or  turn  thy  fteps  from  fancy's  flowery  vale. 

Whatever  of  Greece  in  fculptur'd  brafs  furv'ives, 
WTiate'er  of  Rome  in  mould'ring  arcs  remains, 

Whate'er  of  genius  on  the  canvafs  lives. 
Or  flows  in  polifh'd  vcrfe,  or  airy  flrains. 

Be  thefe  thy  leifure  ;  to  the  chofen  few. 

Who  dare  excel,  thy  foft'ring  aid  afford  ; 
Their  arts,  their  magic  powers,  with  honours  due 
■  Exalt ;  but  be  thyfelf  what  they  record. 


ELEGY        IV. 
To      AN      OFFICER. 

Written  at  Rome,  1756. 

FROM  Latian  fields,  the  manfions  of  renown, 
Vv'here  fix'd  the  Warrior  God  his  fated  feat; 
Where  infant  heroes  learn'd  the  martial  frown. 
And  little  hearts  for  genuine  glory  beat ; 

What 


ELEGY      IV.  287 

What  for  my  friend,  my  foldler,  fhall  I  frame  ? 

What  nobly-glowing  verfe  that  breathes  of  arms. 
To  point  his  radiant  path  to  deathlefs  fame. 

By  great  examples,  and  terrific  charms  ? 

Quirinus  firfl:,  with  bold,  colletfled  bands. 

The  fmewy  fons  of  llrength,  for  empire  ftrove  ; 

Beneath  his  prowefa  bow'd  th'  aftonifli'd  lands. 
And  temples  rofe  to  Mars,  and  to  Feretrian  Jove. 

War  taught  contempt  of  death,  contempt  of  pain. 
And  hence  the  Fabii,  hence  the  Decii  come  : 

War  urg'd  the  flaughter,  tho'  (he  wept  the  flain. 
Stern  War,  the  rugged  nurfe  of  virtuous  Rome. 

But  not  from  antique  fables  will  I  draw. 

To  fire  thy  active  foul,  a  dubious  aid, 
Tho'  now,  ev*n  now,  they  flrike  with  rev'rent  awe. 

By  poets  or  hiftorians  facred  made. 

Nor  yet  to  thee  the  babbling  Mufe  (hall  tell 

What  mighty  kings  with  all  their  legions  wrought. 

What  cities  funk,  and  (loried  nations  fell. 
When  Casfar,  Titus,  or  when  Trajan  fought. 

While  o'er  yon  liill  th'  exalted  *  Trophy  (hows 
To  what  vaft  heights  of  incorrupted  praife 

The  great,  the  felf-ennobled  Marius  rofe 

From  private  worth,  and  fortune's  private  ways. 

From  fteep  Arpinum's  rock-invefled  (hade. 
From  hardy  Virtue's  emulative  fchool 

His 


ftgg         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Kis  daring  flight  th*  expanding  genius  made. 
And  by  obeying  nobly  learn'd  to  rule. 

Abafh'd,  confounded,  flern  Iberia  groan'd. 
And  Afi-ic  trembled  to  her  utmoft  coafts ; 

When  the  proud  land  its  deilin'd  Conqueror  own'd 
In  the  new  conful,  and  his  veteran  hofts. 

Yet  Chiefs  are  madmen,  and  ambition  weak. 
And  mean  the  joys  the  laurePd  harvefts  yield. 

If  Virtue  fail.     Let  Fame,  let  Envy  fpeak 
Of  Capfa's  walls,  and  Sextia's  watry  field. 

But  fmk  for  ever,  in  oblivion  call:, 
Diihonell  triumphs,  and  ignoble  fpoils. 

ivlinturnas's  Marfh  feverely  paid  at  lafl: 
The  guilty  glories  gain'd  in  civil  broils. 

Nor  yet  his  vain  contempt  the  Mufe  ihall  praife 
For  fcenes  of  polifli'd  life,  and  letter'd  worth ; 

The  ileel-rib'd  Warrior  wants  not  Emy's  ways 
To  darken  theirs,  or  call  his  merits  forth  : 

Witnefs  yon  Cimbrian  Trophies ! — Marius,  there 
Thy  ample  pinion  found  a  fpace  to  fly. 

As  the  plum'd  Eagle  foaring  fails  in  air. 
In  upper  air,  and  fcorns  a  middle  fky. 

Thence  too  thy  country  claim'd  thee  for  her  own, 
And  bade  the  Sculptor's  toil  thy  acts  adorn, 

T®  teach  in  charafters  of  living  ftone 
Eternal  leflTons  to  the  youth  unborn. 

*  The  trophies  of  Marius,  now  erefted  before  the  Capitol. 


For 


E  L  E  G  Y      V.  iS9 

For  Wifely  Rome  her  warlike  fens  rewards 
With  the  fvveet  labours  of  her  Artifts'  hands  ; 

He  wakes  her  Graces,  who  her  empire  guards. 
And  both  Minervas  join  in  willing  bands. 

O  why,  Britannia,  why  untrophied  pafs 
The  patriot  deeds  thy  godlike  Sons  difplay. 

Why  breathes  on  high  no  monumental  brafs. 
Why  fwells  no  arc  to  grace  Culloden's  day  ? 

Wait  we  'till  faithlefs  France  fubm.iffive  bow 

Beneath  that  hero's  delegated  Ipear, 
Whofe  lightening  fmote  Rebellion's  haughty  brow, 

And  fcatter'd  her  \'ile  rout  with  horror  in  the  rear  ? 

O  Land  of  Freedom,  Land  of  Arts,  alTume 
That  graceful  dignity  thy  merits  claim  j 

Exalt  thy  heroes  like  imperial  Rome, 

And  build  their  virtues  on  their  love  of  fame. 


Vol,  LXXII.  V  E  L  E. 


t^(3         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS, 


ELEGY        V. 

To      A      FRIEND      Sick. 

Written  at  Rome,   1756. 

5rT^  W  A  S  in  this  *  ifle,  O  Wright  indulge  my  lay, 
-■•       Whofe  naval  form  divides  the  Tufcan  flood. 

In  the  bright  dawn  of  her  illuftrious  day 

Rome  lix'd  her  Temple  to  the  Healing  God. 

Here  flood  his  altars,  here  his  arm  he  bared. 
And  round  his  myflic  HafFthe  ferpent  twined. 

Through  crowded  portals  hymns  of  praife  were  heard. 
And  vidlims  bled,  and  facred  feers  di'nn'd. 

On  every  breathing  wall,  on  ever}'  round 

Of  column,  fwelling  with  proportion'd  grace. 

Its  Hated  feat  fome  votive  tablet  found. 
And  itoried  wonders  dignified  the  place. 

Oft  from  the  balmy  bleflings  of  repofe, 

And  the  cool  ftiihiefs  of  the  night's  deep  fhade. 

To  light  and  health  th'  exulting  \^otarift  rofe. 

While  fancy  work'd  with  med'cine's  powerful  aid. 

*  The  Infula  Tibeiina,   where  there  are  ftiU  fome  fmall  remaina 
or  the  faajwji  temple  of  i^fculapius. 

Oft 


E  L  E  G  Y      V.  551 

Oft  in  his  dreams  (no  longer  clogged  with  fears 
Of  fome  broad  torrent,  or  fome  headlong  fteep. 

With  each  dire  form  Imagination  wears 

When  harafs'd  Nature  fmks  in  turbid  Heep) 

Oft  in  his  dreams  he  faw  diifufive  day 

Through  burfting  glooms  its  chearful  beams  extend. 
On  billowy  clouds  faw  fportive  Genii  play. 

And  bright  Hygeia  from  her  heaven  defcend. 

What  marvel  then,  that  man's  o'erflowing  mind 
Should  wreath-bound  columns  raife,  and  altars  fairs 

And  grateful  offerings  pay,  to  Powers  fo  kind, 
Tho'  fancy-form'd,  and  creatures  of  the  air  ? 

Who  that  has  writh'd  beneath  the  fcourge  of  pain> 
Or  felt  the  burthen'd  languor  of  difeafe. 

But  would  v/ith  joy  the  flighteft  refpite  gain^ 
And  idolize  the  hand  which  lent  him  eafe  ? 

To  thee,  my  friend,  unwillingly  to  thee, 

For  truths  like  thefe  the  anxious  Mufe  appeals. 

Can  memory  anfwer  from  aiiiiclion  free. 

Or  fpeaks  the  fuiferer  what,  I  fear,  he  feels  ? 

No,  let  me  hope  ere  this  in  Romely  grove 
Hygeia  revels  with  the  blooming  Spring, 

Ere  this  the  vocal  feats  the  Mufes  love 

With  hymns  of  praile,  like  Pseon's  temple,  ring. 

It  was  not  written  in  the  book  of  Fate 

That,  wand'ring  far  from  Albion's  fea-girt  plain, 

U  3  "  Thy 


192         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Thy  diftant  friend  fhould  mourn  thy  Ihorter  date. 
And  tell  to  alien  woods  and  ftreams  his  pain. 

It  was  not  written.     Many  a  year  fliall  roll. 
If  aught  th*  infpiring  Mufe  aright  prefage. 

Of  blamelefs  intercourfe  from  Ibul  to  foul. 

And  friendftiip  well  matur'd  from  Youth  to  Age. 


ELEGY        VI. 
To  THE   Rev.    Mr.    S  A  N  D  E  P.  S  O  N. 

Written  at  Rome,  1756. 

"OEHOLD,  my  friend,  to  this  fmall  *  orb  confir/d^, 
-^^     The  genuine  features  of  Aurelius'  face ; 
The  father,  friend,  and  lover  of  his  kind. 
Shrunk  to  a  narrow  coin's  contracted  fpace. 

Not  (o  his  fame  ;  for  erft  did  heaven  ordain 

WhUe  feas  fhould  waft  us,  and  while  funs  fliould  warm. 

On  tongues  of  men,  the  friend  of  man  fnould  reign. 
And  in  the  arts  h^  lov'd  the  oatron  charra. 

Oft  as  amidll  the  mould'ring  fpoils  of  age. 
His  mofs-groN^Ti  monuments  my  fteps  purfue ; 

Oft  as  my  eye  revolves  th'  hiiloric  page. 
Where  pafs  his  generous  acts  in  fair  review, 

*  The  ;:iedal  of  Marcus  Aurelias. 

Ima- 


ELEGY      VI.  293 

Imagination  grafps  at  mighty  things. 

Which  men,  which  angels,  might  with  rapture  fee  ; 
Then  turns  to  humbler  fcenes  its  fafer  wings. 

And,  blulh  not  while  I  fpeak  it,  thinks  on  thee. 

With  all  that  firm  benevolence  of  mind 

Which  pities  while  it  blames  th'  unfeeling  vain. 

With  all  that  aftive  zeal  to  ferve  mankind. 
That  tender  fuiFering  for  another's  pain. 

Why  wert  not  thou  to  thrones  im.perial  rais'd  ? 

Did  heedlefs  Fortune  fiumber  at  thy  birth. 
Or  on  thy  virtues  with  indulgence  gaz'd. 

And  gave  her  grandeurs  to  her  fons  of  earth  ? 

Happy  for  thee,  whofe  lefs  diftinguIOi'd  fphere 
Now  chears  in  private  the  delighted  eye. 

For  calm  Content,  and  fmillng  Eafe  are  there. 
And,  Heaven's  divinefl  gift,  fvveet  Liberty. 

Happy  for  me,  on  life's  ferener  flood 

Who  fail,  by  talents  as  by  choice  reftrain'd, 

JElfe  had  I  only  fhar'd  the  general  good. 

And  loft  the  friend  the  Univerfe  had  gain'd. 


Us  VERSES 


494-         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


VERSES  TO  THE  PEOPLEoF  ENGLAND. 

1758. 


'Mures  animos  In  martia  bella 


Verfibus  exacuit. —  Hor, 

T)  R  I T  O  N  S,  roufe  to  deeds  of  death  !— 
-*--'  Wade  no  zeal  in  idle  breath. 
Nor  lofe  the  harveft  of  your  fwords 
In  a  civil  war  of  words  ! 

Wherefore  teems  the  fhamelefs  prefs 
With  labour'd  births  of  emptinefs  ? 
Reas'nings,  which  no  fads  produce. 
Eloquence,  that  murders  ufe  ; 
lU-tim'd  Humour,  that  beguiles 
Weeping  idiots  of  their  fmiles  ; 
Wit,  that  knows  but  to  defame. 
And  Satire,  that  profanes  the  name. 

Let  th'  undaunted  Grecian  teach 
The  ufe  and  dignity  of  fpeech. 
At  whofe  thunders  nobly  thrown 
Shrunk  the  Man  of  Macedon. 
If  the  ftorm  of  words  mull  rife. 
Let  it  blaft  our  enemies. 
Sure  and  nervous  be  it  hurl'd 
On  the  Philips  of  the  world. 

Learn  not  vainly  to  defpife 
(Proud  of  Edward's  victories !) 

War< 


To  THE  PEOPLE  OF  ENGLAND.        295 

Warriors  wedg'd  in  firm  array. 
And  navies  powerful  to  difplay 
Their  woven  wings  to  every  wind. 
And  leave  the  panting  foe  behind. 
Give  to  France  the  honours  due, 
France  has  chiefs  and  fiatefmen  too. 
Breads  which  patriot-paffions  feel. 
Lovers  of  the  common-weal. 
And  when  fuch  the  foes  we  brave^ 
Whether  on  the  land  or  wave. 
Greater  is  the  pride  of  war. 
And  the  conquell  nobler  far, 
Agincourt  and  CreiTy  long 
Have  nouriih'd  in  immortal  fong  ; 
And  lifping  babes  afpire  to  praife 
The  wonders  of  Eliza's  day;;. 
And  what  elfe  of  late  renown 
Has  added  wreaths  to  Britain's  crown  ; 
Whether  on  th'  impetuous  Rhine 
She  bade  her  harnefs'd  warriors  fhine. 
Or  fnatch'd  the  dangerous  palm  of  praife 
Where  the  Sambre  meets  the  Maefe  ; 
Or  Danube  rolls  his  watry  train ; 
Or  the  yellow-trelTed  Mayne 
Thro'  Dettingen's  immortal  vale.— 
Ev'n  Foitenoy  could  tell  a  tale. 
Might  modeft  Worth  ingenuous  fpeak. 
To  raife  a  blufh  on  Vidory's  cheek  ; 
And  bid  the  vanquish 'd  wreaths  difplay 
Great  as  on  Culloden's  day. 

U  4  But 


t^         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS, 

But  glory  which  afpires  to  laft 
Leans  not  meanly  on  the  pad. 
'Tis  the  prefent  Now  demands 
Briti(h  hearts,  and  Britilh  hands. 
Curfl  be  he,  the  willing  Have, 
Who  doubts,  who  lingers  to  be  brave, 
Curll:  be  the  coward  tongue  that  dare 
Breathe  one  accent  of  defpair. 
Cold  as  Winter's  icy  hand 
To  chill  the  Genius  of  the  land. 

Chiefly  you,  who  ride  the  deep 
And  bid  our  thunders  wake  or  fleep 
As  Pity  pleads,  or  Glory  calls — 
Monarchs  of  our  wooden  walls  ! 
JVIidll:  your  mingling  feas  and  fkies 
Rife  ye  Blakes,  ye  Raleighs  rife  ! 
Let  the  fordid  lufl:  of  gain 
Be  banifh'd  from  the  liberal  main. 
He  who  ftrikcs  the  generous  blow 
Aims  it  at  the  public  foe. 
Let  Glory  be  the  guiding  Har, 
Wealth  and  honours  follow  hef. 

See  !  fhe  fpreads  her  luftre  wide 
O'er  the  vaft  Atlantic  tide  ! 
Conftant  as  the  fclar  ray 
Points  the  path,  and  leads  the  way ! 
Other  worlds  demand  your  care. 
Other  worlds  to  Britain  dear  ; 
Where  the  foe  infidious  roves 
O'er  headlong  Hreams,  and  pathlefs  groves ; 
■  And 


To  THE  PEOPLE  OF  ENGLAND.       297 

And  Juftice'  fimpler  laws  confounds 
With  imaijinarv  bounds. 

If  proteftcd  Commerce  keep 
Her  tenor  o'er  yon  heaving  deep, 
"What  have  we  from  War  to  fear  ? 
Commerce  fteels  the  nerves  of  War  ; 
Keals  the  havock  rapine  makes. 
And  new  ftrength  from  conqueil:  takes. 

Nor  lefs  at  home  O  deign  to  fmile, 
Goddefs  of  Britannia's  ifle  ! 
Thou,  that  from  her  rocks  furvey'ft 
Her  boundlcfs  realms  the  watry  waile  ; 
Thou,  that  rov'ft  the  hill  and  mead 
Where  her  flocks,  and  heifers  feed  ; 
Thou,  that  chear'il  th'  induftrious  fwain. 
While  he  flrows  the  pregnant  grain ; 
Thou,  that  hcar'ft  his  caroli'd  vows 
When  th'  expanded  barn  o'erflows  ; 
Thou,  the  bulwark  of  our  caufe. 
Thou,  the  o-uardian  of  our  laws. 
Sweet  Liberty  I — O  deign  to  fmile, 
Goddefs  of  Britannia's  iile  1 

If  to  us  indulgent  Heaven 
Nobler  feeds  of  ftrength  has  given. 
Nobler  fhould  the  produce  be  ; 
Brave,  yet  gen'rous,  are  the  free. 
Come  then,  all  thy  powers  diiFufe, 
Goddefs  of  extended  views  ! 
Every  brcaft  which  feels  thy  flame 
Shall  kindle  into  martial  fame, 

'TUl 


zgZ         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

'Till  iliame  fliall  make  the  coward  bold. 
And  Indolence  her  arms  unfold  : 
Ev'n  Avarice  fhall  proted  his  hoard. 
And  the  plough- (hare  gleam  a  fword. 
Goddefs,  all  thy  powers  difFufe  Irrr 
And  thou,  genuine  Britidi  Mufe, 
Nurs'd  amidft  the  Druids  old 
Where  Deva's  wizard  waters  roli'd. 
Thou,  that  bear'il  the  golden  key- 
To  unlock  Eternity, 

Summon  thy  poetic  guard ^ 

Britain  ftill  has  many  a  bard. 

Whom,  when  Time  and  Death  fhall  join 

T'  expand  the  ore,  and  flamp  the  coin. 

Late  Poilerity  fhall  own 

Lineal  to  the  Mufe's  throne — 

Bid  them  leave  th'  inglorious  theme 

Of  fabled  ihade,  or  haunted  Hrean^. 

In  the  daify  painted  mead 

'Tis  to  Peace  we  tune  the  reed  ; 

But  when  W^r*s  tremendous  roar 

Shakes  the  ifle  from  fhore  to  fhore. 

Every  bard  of  purer  fire 

Trytsus-like  fhould  grafp  the  lyre ; 

Wake  with  verfe  the  hardy  deed. 

Or  in  the  generous  flrife  like  *  Sydney  bleed. 

•  Sir  Philip  Sydney,  mortally  wounded  In  an  aftion  near  ZuN 
phen,  in  Gelderland, 


A  CHARGE 


C    499    ] 


A    CHARGE    TO    the    POETS. 
Firll  printed,  1762. 

"  Quafi  ex  Cathedra  loquitur."— 

T^UL  L  twenty  years  have  roll'd,  ye  rhiming  band, 

Since  firft  I  dipp'd  in  ink  my  trembling  hand. 
For  much  it  trembled,  tho'  th'  obhging  few. 
Who  judge  with  candour,  prais'd  the  *  iketch  I  drew ; 
And  Echo,  anfwering  from  the  public  voice, 
Indulg'd  as  genius,  what  I  fear'd  was  choice. 

At  length,  arriv'd  at  thofe  maturer  years 
So  rarely  rais'd  by  hope,  or  funk  by  fears, 
I  reft  in  peace ;  or  fcribble  if  I  pleafe  : 
In  point  of  wealth  not  affluent,  but  at  cafe ; 
(For  eafe  is  truly  theirs  who  dare  confine 
Their  wifhes  to  fuch  moderate  views  as  mine) 
In  point  of  what  the  world  and  you  call  fame, 
(I  judge  but  by  conje6lure)  much  the  fame. 

But  whether  right  or  wrong  I  judge,  to  you 
It  matters  not :  the  following  fail  is  true. 
From  nobler  names,  and  great  in  each  degree. 
The  penfion'd  laurel  has  devolv'd  to  me. 

*  **  The  danger  of  writing  Verfe.''     Firft  printed  it   the  year 
2741 3  to  which  this  Pcenj  may  be  confidered  as  a  fe<juel, 

Te 


3CO         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

To  me,  ye  bards ;  and,  what  you'll  fcarce  conceive. 
Or,  at  the  bi;ft,  unwillingly  believe, 
Howe'er  unworthily  I  wear  the  crown, 
Unafic'd  it  came,  and  from  a  hand  unknown. 

Then,  fince  my  King  and  Patron  have  thought  fit 
To  place  me  on  the  throne  of  modern  wit. 
My  grave  advice,  my  brethren,  hear  at  large  ; 
As  Bifhops'to  their  Clergy  give  their  charge, 
Tho'  many  a  Prieil,  who  liflens,  might  afford 
Perhaps  more  folid  cownfel  to  my  Lord. 

To  you,  ye  guardians  of  the  facred  fount. 
Deans  and  Archdeacons  of  the  double  mount. 
That  thro*  our  realms  intelHne  broils  may  ceafe, 
Mv  firil»  and  laft  advice  is,  '*  Keep  the  peace  1" 
What  is't  to  you,  that  half  the  town  admire 
Falfe  fenfe,  falfe  ftrength,  falCe  foftnefs,  or  falfe  fire  ? 
Thro'  heav'n's  void  concave  let  the  meteors  blaze. 
He  hurts  his  own,  who  wounds  another's  bays. 
What  is't  to  you  that  numbers  place  your  name 
Firft,  fifth,  or  twentieth,  in  the  lifts  of  fame  ? 
Old  time  will  fettle  all  your  claims  at  once. 
Record  the  genius,  and  forget  the  dunce. 

It  boots  us  much  to  know,  obfervers  fay. 
Of  what  materiali  nature  form'd  our  clay; 
From  what  ftrange  beali  Prometheus'  plallic  art 
Purloin'd  the  particle  which  rules  the  heart. 
If  milky  ioftnefs,  gliding  thro'  the  veins. 
Incline  the  Mufe  to  panegyric  ftrains, 
Infipid  lays  our  kindeft  friends  may  lull, 

3e  very  moral,  yet  be  very  dull. 

If 


A   CHARGE    TO   the    POETS.  301 

If  bile  prevails,  and  temper  didlates  fatlre. 

Out  wit  is  ipleen,  cur  virtue  is  ill-nature ; 

With  it's  own  malice  arm'd  v/e  combat  evil. 

As  zeal  for  God's  fake  fometimes  plays  the  devil, 

O  mark  it  well  1  does  Pride  afiect  to  reign 

The  folitary  t^'rant  of  the  brain  ? 

Or  Vanity  exert  her  quick'nlng  flame. 

Stuck  round  with  ears  that  liften  after  fame  ? 

O  to  thefe  points  let  llrid  regard  be  given. 

Nor  *  "  Know  thyfelf  in  vain  defcend  from  heaven. 

Do  Critics  teize  you  r — with  a  fmile  I  fpeak. 
Nor  would  fuppofe  my  brethren  were  fo  weak. 
'Tis  on  ourfelves,  and  not  our  foes,  or  friends. 
Our  future  fame,  or  infamy,  drpends. 
Let  envy  point,  or  malice  wing  the  dans. 
They  only  wound  us  in  our  mortal  parts. 
J^efides,  'tis  much  too  late  to  go  to  fchool. 
Crown  men  will  judge  by  Nature's  nobleft  rule. 
Admire  true  beauties,  and  flight  faults  excufe. 
Not  learn  to  dance  from  f  Journals  and  Reviews. 

If  fools  traduce  you,  and  your  works  decry. 
As  many  fools  will  rate  your  worth  too  high ; 
Then  balance  the  account,  and  fairly  take 
The  cool  report  which  men  of  judgement  make. 

*  E  cceIo  defcendit,  yvsSt  s-tav.o9.         J'^-v* 

•f-  Th's  is  not  intended  as  a  refiefllon  on  either  the  Journals  or 
the  Reviews.  They  are  not  the  mafters,  but  the  fcholars,  the  grown 
gentlemen,  at  whom  the  author  ftr.iles ;  artd  who,  he  thinks,  had 
much  better  not  pietend  to  judge  at  all,  thia  i^orrow  opiaioas  which 
never  fit  eal'y  upon  them. 

In 


g6i         WHITEHEAD'S    F  O  E  M  S, 

In  writing,  as  in  life,  he  foils  the  foe. 
Who,  confcious  of  his  llrength,  forgives  the  blow. 
They  court  the  infult  who  but  feem  afraid  : 
And  then,  by  anfwering,  you  promote  the  trade. 
And  give  them,  what  their  own  weak  claims  deny, 
A  chance  for  future  laughter,  or  a  figh. 

You,  who  as  yeti  unfullied  by  the  prefs. 
Hang  o'er  your  labours  in  their  virgin  drefs ; 
And  you,  who  late  the  public  tafle  have  hit. 
And  ftill  enjoy  the  honey-moon  of  wit. 
Attentive  hear  me  :  grace  may  ftill  abound. 
Whoever  preaches,  if  the  dodt.ine's  found. 

If  Nature  prompts  you,  or  if  friends  perfuade. 
Why  write  ;  but  ne'er  purfue  it  as  a  trade. 
And  feldom  publifh  :  manufcripts  difarm 
The  cenfor's  frown,  and  boaft  an  added  charm. 
Enhance  their  worth  by  feeming  to  retire. 
For  what  but  few  can  prate  of,  all  admire. 

Who  trade  in  verfe,  alas,  as  rarely  find. 
The  Public  grateful,  as  the  Mufes  kind. 
From  conftant  feafls  like  fated  guells  we  fteal> 
And  tir'd  of  tickling  lofe  all  power  to  feel. 
'Tis  novelty  we  want ;  with  that  in  view. 
We  praife  Hale  matter,  fo  the  Bard  be  new; 
Or  from  known  Bards  with  exftacy  receive 
Each  pert  new  whim  they  almoil  blufh  to  give. 

A  life  of  writing,  unlefs  wondrous  Ihort, 
No  wit  can  brave,  no  genius  can  fupport. 


Some 


A    CHARGE    TO   the    POETS.         303 

Some  foberer  province  for  your  bufinefs  chafe. 

Be  that  your  helmet,  and  your  plume  the  Mufe. 

Thro'  Fame's  long  rubric,  down  from  Chaucer's  time^ 

Few  fortunes  have  been  rais'd  by  lofty  rhime. 

And,  when  our  toils  fuccefs  no  longer  crowns^ 

What  ihelter  find  we  from  a  world  in  frowns  ? 

O'er  each  diftrefs,  which  vice  or  folly  brings^ 

Tho'  Charity  extend  her  healing  wings. 

No  maudlin  hofpitals  are  yet  affign'd 

For  flip-fnod  Mufes  of  the  vagrant  kind  ; 

Where  anthem.s  might  Aicceed  to  fatires  keen. 

And  hymns  of  penitence  to  fongs  obfcene. 

What  refuge  then  remains  r — with  gracious  grin 
Some  pradlis'd  Bookfeller  invites  you  in. 
Where  lucklefs  Bards,  condemn'd  to  court  the  town, 
(Not  for  their  parents'  vices,  but  their  own !) 
Write  gay  conundrums  with  an  aching  head. 
Or  earn  by  defamation  daily  bread. 
Or,  friendlefs,  fnirtlefs,  pcnnylefs,  complain. 
Not  of  the  world's,  but  **  Caslia's  cold  difdain." 

Lords  of  their  v.  orkhoufe  fee  the  tyrants  iit. 
Brokers  in  books,  and  flock -jobbers  in  wit. 
Beneath  whofe  lafh,  oblig  d  to  write  or  faft. 
Our  confeiibrs  and  martyrs  breathe  their  laft  ! 

And  can  ye  bear  fuch  infolence  ? — away. 
For  fhame  ;  plough,  dig,  turn  pedlars,  drive  the  dray$ 
With  minds  indignant  each  employment  fuits. 
Our  fleets  want  lailors,  and  our  troops  recruits ; 
And  many  a  dirty  ftreet,  on  Thames 's  fide. 
Is  yet  by  flool  and  brufh  unoccupied. 

Time 


504         WHITEHEAD'S    P  0  E  xM  S. 

Time  was  when  poets  play'd  the  thorough  game> 
Swore,  drank,  and  bluller'd,  and  blafphem'd  for  fame* 
The  firft  in  brothels  with  their  punk  and  Mufe  ; 
Your  toail,  ye  bards  ?  "  ParnalTus  and  the  Hews  !" 
Thank  heaven  the  times  are  chang'd ;  no  poet  now 
Need  roar  for  Bacchus,  or  to  Venus  bow. 
'Tis  our  own  fault  if  Fielding's  lafli  nA:e  feel. 
Or,  like  French  wits,  begin  with  the  Baftile. 

Ev'n  in  thofe  days  fome  few  efcap'd  their  fate> 
By  better  judgment,  or  a  longer  date. 
And  rode,  like  buoys,  triumphant  o'er  the  tide. 
Poor  Otway  in  an  ale-houfe  dos'd,  and  died  1 
While  happier  Southern,  tho'  with  fpots  of  yore. 
Like  Plato's  hovering  fpirits,  crufted  o'er, 
Liv'd  every  mortal  vapour  to  remove. 
And  to  our  admiration  join'd  our  love. 

Light  lie  his  funeral  turf!  —  for  you,  who  join 
His  decent  manners  to  his  art  divine. 
Would  ye  (while,  round  you,  tofs  the  proud  and  vain 
Convuls'd  with  feeling,  or  with  giving  paia) 
Indulge  the  Mufe  in  innocence  and  eaie. 
And  tread  the  flowery  path  of  life  in  peace  ? 
Avoid  all  authors. — What !  th'  illuftrious  itw^ 
Who,  fhunning  Fame,  have  taught  hex  to  purfue^ 
Fair  Virtue's  heralds  ? — yes,  I  fay  again. 
Avoid  all  authors,  'till  you've  read  the  men. 
Full  many  a  peevilh,  envious,  flandering  elf. 
Is,  in  his  works,  benevolence  itfelf. 
For  all  mankind  unknown,  his  bofom  heaves. 
He  only  Laj'ores  thofe  vvjith  whom  he  lives. 

Read 


A    CHARGE    TO   THE    POETS.  505 

Read  then  the  man  :  does  truth  his  aclions  guide, 
Exempt  from  petulance,  exempt  from  pride  i 
To  focial  duties  does  his  heart  attend. 
As  fon,  as  father,  hufband,  brother,  friend  ? 
Do  thofe  who  know  him  love  him  ?  if  they  do. 
You've  my  permiflion,  you  may  love  him  too. 

But  chief  avoid  the  boifl'rous  roaring  fparks. 
The  fons  of  fire  I  —you'll  knov/  them  by  their  marks. 
Fond  to  be  heard,  they  always  court  a  croud. 
And,  tho'  'tis  borrow'd  nonfenfe,  talk  it  loud. 
One  epithet  fupplies  their  conftant  chime, 
Da?nn^dh2idi,  damrt'd  good^i  damn' d  low,  and  dcimn^d(\^^ 

lime ! 
But  mofc  in  quick  Ihort  repartee  they  fhine 
Of  local  humour  ;  or  from  plays  purloin 
Each  quaint  ftale  fcrap  v/hich  every  fubjecl  hits, 
'Till  fools  almoft  imagine,  they  are  wits. 
Hear  them  on  Shakefpear  !  there  they  foam,  they  rage! 
Yet  tafte  not  half  the  beauties  of  his  page. 
Nor  fee  that  art,  as  vvell  as  Nature,  ftrove 
To  place  him  foremoft  in  th'  Aonian  grove. 
For  there,  there  only,  where  the  fillers  join. 
His  genius  trium.phs,   and  the  work's  divine. 

Or  v/ouid  ye  fift  more  near  thefe  fons  of  fire, 
Tis  Garrick,  and  not  Shakefpear,  they  admire. 
Without  his  breath,  infpiring  every  thought. 
They  ne'er  perhaps  had  known  what  Shakefpear  wrote  * 
Without  his  eager,  his  becoming  zeal. 
To  teach  them,  tho'  they  fcarce  know  u'hy,  to  ht\, 

Vol.  LXXir,  X  '        A  crud« 


3o5  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

A  crude  unmeaning  mafs  had  Jonfon  been. 
And  a  dead  letter  Shakefpear's  nobleft  fcenc. 

O  come  the  time,  when  diffidence  again 
Shall  bind  our  youth  in  Nature's  modell  chain '. 
Born  in  a  happier  age,  and  happier  clime. 
Old  Sophocles  had  merit,  in  his  time  ; 
And  fo,  no  doubt;,  howe'er  ~j:e  flout  his  plays, 
Kad  poor  Euripides,  in  former  days. 
Not  like  the  m-oderns  we  confefs ;  but  yet 
Some  feemino-  faults  we  furelv  mii^ht  forcret, 
Becaufe  'twould  puzzle  even  the  wife  to  Ihow 
Whether  thofe  faults  were  real  faults,  or  no. 

To  all  true  merit  give  its  juft  applaufe. 
The  worft  have  beauties,  and  the  bell  have  flaws. 
Greek,  French,  Italian,  Engli(h,  great  or  fmall> 
I  own  iny  frailty,  I  admire  them  all. 

There  are,  miHaking  prejudice  for  taHe, 
Who  on  one  fpecies  all  their  rapture  walle. 
Tho',  various  as  the  flowers  which  paint  the  year. 
In  rainbow  charms  the  changeful  Nine  appear. 
The  different  beauties  coyly  they  admit. 
And  to  one  Handard  would  confine  our  wit. 
Some  Manner'd  Verfe  deliehts :  while  fome  can  raife 
To  fairy  Fiction  their  exHatic  gaze. 
Admire  Pure  Poetry,  and  revel  there 
On  fightlefs  forms,  and  pidlures  of  the  air  \ 
Some  hate  all  Rhime  ;  {oine.  ferm-i/Iy  deplore 
That  Milton  wants  that  one  enchantment  more. 
Tir'd  with  th'  ambia^uous  tale,  or  antique  phrafe. 
O'er  Spcnfer's  happieft  paintings,  lovelieft  lays. 

Some 


A    CHARGE    TO    the    POETS.         507 

Some  heedlefs  pafs :  while  fome  with  tranfport  view- 
Each  quaint  old  word,  which  fcarce  Eliza  knew  j 
And,  eager  as  the  fancied  knights,  prepare 
The  lance,  and  combat  in  ideal  war 
Dragons  of  lull,  and  giants  of  defpair. 

Why  be  it  fo  ;  and  what  each  thinks  the  teft 
Let  each  enjoy  :  bnt  not  condemn  the  reft. 
Readers  there  are  of  every  clafs  prepar'd  : 
Each  village  teems ;  each  hamlet  has  its  Bard, 
V/ho  gives  the  tone  ;  and  all  th'  inferior  fry. 
Like  the  great  vulgar  here,  will  join  the  cry. 
But  be  it  mine  with  every  Bard  to  glow. 
And  tafte  his  raptures  genuine  as  they  flow. 
Through  all  the  Mufes  wilds  to  rove  along 
From  plaintive  Elegy  to  Epic  fong : 
And,  if  the  fenfe  be  juft,  the  numbers  clear. 
And  the  true  colouring  of  the  work  be  there. 
Again,  fubdued  by  Truth's  ingenuous  call,  , 

I  own  my  frailty,  I  admire  them  all. 

Nor  think  I,  with  the  mob,  that  Nature  now 
No  longer  v/arms  the  foil  where  laurels  grow. 
'Tis  true.  Our  Poets  in  repofe  delight. 
And,  wiier  than  their  fathers,  feldom  write. 
Yet  I,  but  I  forbear  for  prudent  ends. 
Could  name  a  lift,  and  half  of  them  my  friends. 
For  whom  poflerity  its  wreaths  (hall  twine. 
And  it's  own  Bards  neglecl,  to  honour  mine. 

Their  Poets  in  their  turn  will  grievC;,  and  fwear^ 
Perhaps  with  truth,  no  Patron  lends  an  ear, 

X  3  Com- 


3o8  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS.    ^ 

Complaints  of  times  when  merit  wants  reward 
Defcend  like  fimilies  from  Bard  to  Bard  ; 
We  copy  our  diftrefs  frome  Greece  and  Rome  j 
As  in  our  Northern  lays  their  flowrets  bloom. 
We  feel  their  breezes,  with  their  heats  we  burn. 
And  plead  prefcription  to  rejoice  or  mourn. 

All  prefent  times  are  bad :  then  call  your  eyes 
V/here  fairy  Scenes  of  blifs  in  prolpeft  rife. 
As  fond  enthufialb  o'er  the  vveflern  main 
With  eager  ken  prophetical  in  vain. 
See  the  mixt  multitudes  from^  every  land 
Grow  pure  by  blending,  virtuous  by  command  ; 
'Till  phoenLx-like,  a  new  bright  world  of  gold 
Springs  from  the  dregs  and  refufe  of  the  old. 

I'm  no  enthufiail,  yet  with  joy  can  trace 
Some  gleams  of  funfliine  for  the  tuneful  race. 
If  Monarchs  liften  when  the  Mufes  woo. 
Attention  wakes,  and  nations  liften  too. 
The  Bard  grows  rapturous,  who  was  dumb  before,- 
And  every  frefh-plum'd  eagle  learns  to  foar  ! 

Friend  of  the  finer  arts,  when  yjbgypt  faw 
Her  fecond  Ptolemy  give  Science  law. 
Each  Genius  wakcn'd  from  his  dead  repcfe^ 
The  column  fwell'd,  the  pile  maj^^ftic  rofe, 
Exad  proportion  borrov>''d  ftrength  from  cafe. 
And  ufe  v/as  taught  by  elegance  to  pleafe. 
Along  the  breathing  walls,  as  fancy  flow'd. 
The  fculpture  fofteii'd,  and  the  pi<flure  glow'd. 


Heroe* 


A    CHARGE    TO    th?    POETS.  309 

Heroes  reviv'd  in  animated  ilone. 
The  groves  grew  vocal,  and  the  *  Pleiads  (hone  [ 
Old  Nilas  raii'd  his  head,  and  wond'ring  cried. 
Long  live  the  King  !   my  Patron,  and  my  Pride  I 
Secure  of  endlefs  praife,  behold,  I  bear 
My  grateful  fuffrage  to  my  Sovereign's  ear. 
Tho'  war  ihall  rage,  tho'  Time  fhall  level  all. 
Yon  colours  ficken,  and  yon  columns  fall, 
Tho'  art's  dear  treafures  ftcd  the  waiting  flame. 
And  the  proud  volume  links,  an  empty  name, 
Tho'  Plenty  may  defert  this  copious  vale. 
My  flreams  be  fcatter'd,  or  my  fountain  fail. 
Yet  Ptolemy  has  liv'd :  the  world  has  known 
A  King  of  arts,  a  Patron  on  a  throne. 
Ev'n  utmoll:  Britain  fhall  his  name  adore, 

■**  And  Nile  be  fung,  when  Nile  fhall  flow  no  more  f ." 

One  rule  remains.     Nor  fhun  nor  court  the  great. 
Your  truefl  center  is  that  middle  Hate 
From  whence  with  eafe  th'  obferving  eye  may  go 
To  all  which  foars  above,  or  finks  below. 
'Tis  yours  all  manners  to  have  tried,  or  known, 
T'  adopt  all  virtues,  yet  retain  your  own  : 
To  flem  the  tide^  where  thoughtlefs  crowds  are  hurl'd. 
The  firm  fpeflators  of  a  buHling  world! 

Thus  arm'd,  proceed  ;  the  breezes  court  your  wing. 
Go  range  all  Helicon,  tafie  every  fpring ; 

*  The  Seven  Poets  patronHed  by  Ptolemy  Phlladelphus  are  ufua!- 
ly  called  by  the  name  of  that  conftellation. 

•f-  '*  And  Boyns  be  fung,  when  it  has  ccas'd  to  flow.". 

Add  I  SON'. 
X  3  From 


3IO         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

From  A'arying  nature  cull  th'  innoxious  fpoil. 

And,  while  arnufement  fooths  the  generous  toil. 

Let  puzzled  critics  with  judicious  fpite 

Defcant  on  what  you  can,  or  cannot  write. 

True  to  yourfelves,  not  anxious  for  renown, 

Kor  court  the  world's  applaufe,  nor  dread  it's  frown, 

Guard  your  own  breafts,  and  be  the  bulwark  there 

To  know  no  envy,  and  no  malice  fear. 

At  leail  you'll  find,  thus  Hole-like  prepar'd. 

That  Verfe  and  Virtue  are  their  own  reward. 


VARIETY. 


[    3ii    1 


VARIETY. 

ATALEFOR 
MARRIED        PEOPLE. 

Nee  tecum  pofTum  vivere,  nee  fine  te.      Mar. 
I  can't  live  with  you,  or  without  you. 

A    GENTLE  Maid,  of  rural  breeding, 
•^-^  By  Nature  firft,  and  then  by  reading. 
Was  fill'd  with  all  thofe  foft  fenfations 
Which  we  reftrain  in  near  relations. 
Left  future  hufbands  fliould  be  jealous. 
And  think  their  wives  too  fond  of  fellows. 

The  morning  fun  beheld  her  rove 
A  Nymph,  or  Goddefs  of  the  grove  ! 
At  eve  fhe  pac'd  the  dewy  lawn. 
And  call'd  each  clown  fhe  faw,  a  faun ! 
Then,  fcudding  homeward,  lock'd  her  door. 
And  turn'd  fome  copious  volume  o'er. 
Fob  much  fhe  read  ;  and  chiefly  thofe 
Great  Authors,  who  in  verfe,  or  profe. 
Or  fomething  betwixt  both,  unwind 
The  fecret  fprings  which  move  the  mind. 
Thefe  much  fhe  read ;  and  thought  flie  knew 
The  human  heart's  minuteft  clos  ; 

X  4  Yet 


312         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Yet  ihrewd  obfervers  flill  declare, 
(To  fhow  how  ihrewd  obfervers  are) 
Tho'  Plays,  which  breath'd  heroic  flame. 
And  Novels,  in  profufion,  carne. 
Imported  frelh  and  frefn  from  France, 
She  only  read  the  heart's  Romance. 

The  World,  no  doubt,  was  well  enough 
To  fmooth  the  manners  of  the  rough  ; 
Might  pleafe  the  giddy  and  the  vain, 
Thofe  tinfell'd  Haves  of  Folly's  train: 
But,  for  her  part,  the  trueil  tafte 
She  found  was  in  retirement  plac'd. 
Where,  as  in  verfe  it  fweetly  flows, 
^*  On  every  thorn  inftruclion  grows." 

Not  that  ihe  wifh'd  to  "  be  alone," . 
As  feme  afFefted  Prudes  have  done ; 
She  knew  it  was  decreed  on  high 
We  {hould  "  increafe  and  multiply ;" 
And  therefore,  if  kind  Fate  would  grant 
Her  fondefl  wilh,  her  only  want, 
A  cottage  with  the  man  ilie  lov'd 
Was  what  her  gentle  heart  approv'd  ; 
In  fome  delightful  foHtude 
Where  ftep  profane  might  ne'er  intrude  ; 
But  Hymen  guard  the  facred  ground. 
And  n.nrtucus  Cupids  hover  round. 
Not  fuch  as  flutter  on  a  fan 
Round  Crete's  vile  bull,  or  Leda's  fwan, 
(Who  fcatter  myrtles,  fcatter  rofes. 
And  hold  tr.eir  fingers  to  their  nofes.) 


But 


VARIETY. 

But  fimp'ring,  mild,  and  innocent 
As  Angels  on  a  monument. 

Fate  heard  her  pray'r  :  a  Lover  came. 
Who  felt,  like  her,  th'  innoxious  flame  ; 
One  who  had  trod,  as  well  as  file. 
The  fiow'ry  paths  of  poefy ; 
Had  warm'd  himfelf  with  Milton's  h?at. 
Could  ev'ry  line  of  Vope  repeat, 
Or  chaunt  in  Shenilone's  tender  ftrains, 
*'  The  lover's  hopes,"  *'  the  lover's  pains." 

Attentive  to  the  charmer's  tongue. 
With  him  fiie  thought  no  ev'ning  long; 
With  him  fne  faunter'd  half  the  day; 
And  fometim.es,  in  a  laughing  way. 
Ran  o'er  the  catalogue  by  rote 
Of  who  might  marry,  and  who  not. 
Confider,  Sir,  we^re  near  relations — 
'*  I  hope  fo  in  our  inclinations." — 
In  ihort,  fhe  look'd,  Ihe  blufh'd  confent ; 
He  grafp'd  her  hand,  to  church  they  went ; 
And  ev'ry  matron  that  was  there. 

With  tongue  fo  voluble  and  fapple. 
Said,  for  her  part,  ihe  muft  declare. 

She  never  faw  a  finer  couple. 
O  Halcyon  days !   'Twas  Nature's  reign, 
'Twas  Tempe's  vale,  and  Enna's  plain. 
The  fields  afifum'd  unufual  bloom. 
And  ev'ry  zephyr  breath'd  perfume. 
The  laughing  fun  v/ith  genial  beams 
Panc'd  lightly  on  th'  exulting  flreams ; 


313 


And 


314-         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  the  pale  regent  of  the  night. 
In  dewy  foftnefs  (hed  delight. 
'Twas  tranfport  not  to  be  expreft; 
'Twas  Paradife  I But  mark  the  reft. 

Two  fmlling  Springs  had  wak'd  the  flow'rs 
That  paint  the  meads,  or  fringe  the  bowr's, 
(Ye  lovers,  lend  your  wond'ring  ears. 
Who  count  by  months,  and  not  by  years) 
Two  fmiling  fprings  had  chaplets  wove 
To  crown  their  folitude,  and  love  : 
"When  lo,  they  find,  they  can't  tell  how, 
7  heir  walks  are  not  fo  pleafant  now. 
The  feafons  fure  were  chang'd ;  the  place 
Had,  fome  how,  got  a  diif 'rent  face. 
Some  blall  had  llruck  the  chearful  fcene ; 
The  lawns,  the  woods  were  not  fo  greep. 
The  purling  rill,  which  murmur'd  by. 
And  once  w^as  liquid  harmony. 
Became  a  fluggifh,  reedy  pool  : 
The  days  grew  hot,  the  ev'nings  cool. 
The  moon  with  all  the  ftarry  reign 
Were  melancholy's  filent  train. 
And  then  the  tedious  winter  night— 
They  could  not  read  by  candle -Hght. 

Full  oft,  unknowing  why  they  did, 
They  call'd  in  adventitious  aid. 
A  faithful  fav'rite  dog  ('twas  thus 
With  Tobit,  and  Telemachus) 

Amus'4 


VARIETY. 

Amus'd  their  fleps  ;  and  for  a  while 
They  vievv'd  his  gambols  with  a  frnile. 
The  kitten  too  was  comical. 
She  play'd  fo  oddly  with  her  tail. 
Or  in  the  glafs  was  pleas 'd  to  find 
Another  cat,  and  peep'd  behind. 

A  courteous  neighbour  at  the  door 
Was  deem'd  intrulive  noife  no  more. 
For  rural  vifits,  now  and  then. 
Are  right,  as  men  mull:  live  with  men. 
Then  coulin  Jenny,  frefh  from  town, 

A  new  recruit,  a  dear  delight  ! 
Made  many  a  heavy  hour  go  down. 

At  morn,  at  noon,  at  eve,  at  night : 
Sure  they  could  hear  her  jokes  for  ever. 
She  was  fo  fprightly,  and  fo  clever  1 

Yet  neighbours  were  not  quite  the  things 
What  joy,  alas  !   could  converfe  bring 
With  awkward  creatures  bred  at  home  — 
The  dog  grew  dull,  or  troublefome. 
The  cat  had  fpoil'd  the  kitten's  merit. 
And,  with  her  youth,  had  loll  her  fpirit. 
And  jokes  lepeated  o'er  and  o'er. 
Had  quite  exhaufted  Jenny's  (lore. 
— "  And  then,  my  dear,  I  can't  abide 
*'  This  always  faunt'ring  fide  by  fide.'^— - 
Enough,  he  cries  !  the  reafon's  plain  : 
For  caufes  never  rack  your  brain. 
Our  neighbours  are  like  other  folks, 
Skip's  playful  tricks,  aud  Jenny's  jokes 


315 


Are 


3t6         WHITEHEAD'S    FOEMv 

Are  flill  delightful,  fHU  would  pleafe 

Were  we,  my  dear,  ourfelves  at  cafe. 

Look  round,  with  an  impartial  eye. 

On  yonder  fields,  on  yonder  iky ; 

The  azure  cope,  the  flow'rs  below. 

With  all  their  wonted  colours  glow. 

The  rill  Hill  murmurs;  and  the  mooH 

Sliines,  as  fhe  did,  a  fcfter  fun. 

]Mo  change  has  made  the  feafons  fail. 

No  comet  brufh'd  us  with  his  tail. 

The  fccne's  the  fame,  the  fame  the  weather  — 

We  li-vej  my  dear,  too  much  together. 

Agreed.     A  rich  old  uncle  dies. 
And  added  wealth  the  means  fupplies. 
With  eager  haiie  to  town  they  £ew. 
Where  all  mufl  pleafe,  for  ail  was  new. 

But  here,  by  ftrid  poetic  laws 
Defcription  claims  it's  proper  paufe. 

The  rofy  morn  had  rais'd  her  head 
From  old  Tithonus'  faitron  bed  ; 
And  embryo  funbeams  from  the  eall. 
Half  chok'd,  were  flruggling  thro*  the  mi5. 
When  forth  advanc'd  the  gilded  chaife. 
The  village  crowded  round  to  gaze. 
The  pert  poUi.lion,  now  promoted 
from  driving  plough,  and  neatly  booted. 
His  jacket,  cap,  and  baldric  on, 
^As  greater  folks  than  he  have  done) 


r 


J>ook'd 


VARIETY.  317 

Look'd  round ;  and,  with  a  coxcomb  air, 
Smack'd  loud  his  lafh.     The  happy  pair 
Eow'd  graceful,  from  a  fep'rate  door. 
And  Jenny,  from  the  flcol  before. 

Roll  fwift,  ye  wheels  I  to  willing  eyes 
New  objedls  ev'ry  moment  rife. 
Each  carriage  pafung  on  the  road. 
From  the  broad  waggon's  pond'rous  load- 
To  the  light  car,  where  mounted  high 
The  giddy  driver  feems  to  fiy. 
Were  themes  for  harmlefs  fatire  fit. 
And  gave  frefh  force  to  Jenny's  v/it. 
Whate'er  occurr'd,  'twas  all  delightful. 
No  noife  was  harfli,  no  danger  frightful. 
The  dafn  and  fplaih  thro'  thick  and  thin. 
The  hair-breadth  fcapcs,  the  buflling  inn^r 
(Where  weli-bred  landlords  were  fo  ready 
To  welcome  in  the  fquire  and  lady.) 
Dirt,  dull,  and  fun,  they  bore  with  eafe, 
Determin'd  to  be  pleas'd,  and  pleafe. 

Now  nearer  town  and  ali  a^o? 
They  know  dear  London  by  its  fog. 
Bridges  they  crofs,  thro  lanes  they  wind. 
Leave  Hounilow's  dang'rous  heath  behind. 
Thro'  Brentford  win  a  psffage  free 
By  roaring,  Wilkes  and  Liberty  ! 
At  Knightfcridge  blefs  the  fhort'ning  way, 
(Where  Bays^s  troops  in  ambufh  lay) 
O'er  Piccadilly's  pavement  glide, 
(With  palaces  to  grace  it's  ilde) 

'Till 


3i«         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

'Till  Bond-ftreet  with  its  lamps  a-blaze 
Concludes  the  journey  of  three  days. 

Why  {hould  we  paint,  in  tedious  fong. 
How  ev'ry  day,  and  all  day  long. 
They  drove  at  iirft  with  curious  hafte 
Thro'  Lud's  vaft  town ;  or,  as  they  pafs'd 
Midft  rilings,  fallings,  and  repairs 
Of  flreets  on  ftreets,  and  fquares  on  fquares> 
Defcribe  how  itrons:  their  wonder  p-rew 
At  buildino-s — and  at  builders  too. 

Scarce  lefs  afloniihrnent  arofe 
At  architects  more  fair  than  thofe — 
Who  built  as  high,  as  widely  fpread 
Th'  enormous  loads  that  cloath'd  their  head. 
For  Britifli  dames  new  folh'es  love, 
And,  if  they  can't  invent,  improve. 
Some  with  eredl  pagodas  vie. 
Some  nod,  like  Pifa's  tow'r,  awry, 
Medufa's  fnakes,  with  Pallas'  crell, 
Convolv'd,  contorted,  and  comprefs'd; 
With  intermingling  trees,  and  flow'rs. 
And  corn,  and  grafs,  and  fhcpherds'  bow'rs> 
Stage  above  llage  the  turrets  run. 
Like  pendant  groves  of  Babylon, 
'Till  nodding  from  the  topmoil  wall 
Otranto's  plumes  envelope  all  1 
While  the  black  ewes,  who  own'd  the  hair,- 
Feed  harmlefs  on,  in  pallures  fair, 

Uncon- 


V  A  R  I  E  T  y.  '* 


•^  tto 


tFnconfcioiis  that  their  tails  perfume. 
In  fcented  curl?,  the  Drawing-room. 

When  night  her  murky  pinions  fpread. 
And  fober  folks  retire  to  bed. 
To  ev'ry  public  place  they  fiew. 
Where  Jenny  told  them  who  was  who. 
Money  was  always  at  command. 
And  tripp'd  with  pleafure  hand  in  hand. 
Money  was  equipage,  was  fiiovv, 
Gallini's,  Almack's,  and  Soho ; 
The  pajjc  par  font  thro'  ev'ry  vein 
Of  Difiipation's  hydra  reign. 

0  London>  thou  prolific  fource. 
Parent  of  Vice,  and  Folly's  nurfe  ! 
Fruitful  as  Nile  thy  copious  fprings 
Spawn  hourly  births, — and  all  with  flings  : 
But  happieil  far  the  He,  or  She, 

1  know  not  which,  that  livelier  dunce 
Who  firil  contriv'd  the  Coterie, 

To  crufh  domefiic  blifs  at  oncci 
Then  grinn'd,  no  doubt,  amidil  the  dames. 
As  Nero  fiddled  to  the  flames. 

Of  thee.  Pantheon,  let  me  fpeak 
With  rev'fence,  tho'  in  numbers  v/eak  ; 
Thy  beauties  Satire's  frown  beguile. 
We  fparc  the  follies  for  the  pile. 
FlouncM,  furbelow'd,  and  trick'd  for  fiioWj. 
With  lamps  above,  and  lamps  below. 
Thy  charms  even  modern  tafte  defy'd. 
They  could  not  fpoil  thee,  dio'  they  try'd. 


Ah, 


^n         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 
3te> 

Ah,  pity  that  Time's  hafry  wings 
Muft  fweep  thee  oiFvvith  vnilgar  things ! 
Let  architedls  of  humbler  name 
On/rail  materials  build  their  fame. 
Their  noblell  works  the  world  might  want* 
Wyatt  fhould  build  in  Adamant. 

But  what  are  thefe  to  fccnes  which  lie 
Secreted  from  the  vulgar  eye. 
And  biifRe  ail  the  pow'rs  of  fong  ?  — 
A  brazen  throat,  an  iron  tongue, 
(Which  poets  wifh  for,  when  at  length 
Their  fubjefl  foars  above  their  ilrength) 
Would  fhun  the  tafk.     Our  humbler  Mufe>  ' 
(Who  only  reads  the  public  news. 
And  idly  utters  what  Ihe  gleans 
From  chronicles  and  m.agazines) 
Recoiling  feels  her  feeble  lires. 
And  blufhing  to  her  (hades  retires. 
Alas  !  llie  knov/s  not  how  to  treat 
The  finer  follies  of  the  Great, 
Where  ev'n,  Democritus,  thy  fneer 
Were  vain  as  Heraclitus'  tear. 

Suffice  it  that  by  jufl:  degrees 
They  reach 'd  all  heights,  and  rofe  with  eafe; 
(For  beauty  wins  it's  way,  uncall'd. 
And  ready  dupes  are  ne'er  black-balPd.) 
Bach  gp.mbling  dame  fhe  knew,  and  he 
Knew  ev'ry  fliark  of  quality  ; 
From  the  grave,  cautious  fevv',  who  live 
On  though tlefs  youth,  and  living  thrive. 


To 


VARIETY.  3ftx 

To  the  light  train  who  mimic  France, 
And  the  foft  fons  of  Nonchalance. 
While  Jenny,  now  no  more  of  ufe, 
Excufe  fucceeding  to  excufe. 
Grew  piqued,  and  prudently  withdrew 
To  fhilling  whill:,  and  chicken  lu. 

Advanc'd  to  Falhion's  wav'ring  head, 
'They  now,  where  once  they  follow'd,  led, 
Devis'd  new  fyftems  of  dehght, 
A -bed  all  day,  and  up  all  night. 
In  difF'rent  circles  reign'd  fupreme. 
Wives  copied  her,  and  hufbands  him  ; 
Till  fo  di'vinely  life  ran  on. 
So  feparate,  fo  quite  boil-ton^ 
That  meeting  in  a  public  place. 
They  fcarcely  knew  each  other's  face. 

At  lalt  they  met,  by  his  delire, 
A-tete-a-tete  acrofs  the  fire  ; 
Look'd  in  each  other's  face  a-whlle. 
With  half  a  tear,  and  half  a  fmile. 
The  ruddy  health,  which  wont  to  grace 
With  manly  glow  his  rural  face. 
Now  fcarce  retain'd  its  faintell:  ilreak  ; 
So  fallow  was  his  leathern  cheek. 
She  lank,  and  pale,  and  hollow-ey'd. 
With  rouge  had  ftnven  in  vain  to  hide 
What  once  was  beauty,  and  repair 
The  rapine  of  the  midnight  air. 

Silence  is  eloquence,  'tis  faid. 
Both  wilh'd  to  fpeak,  both  hung  the  head. 

Vol.  LXXII.  Y  h% 


31*         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

At  length  it  burU:. "  Tis  time,"  he  cries, 

"  When  tir'd  of  folly,  to  be  wife. 

*'  Are  you  too  tir'd  ?" — then  check'd  a  groan. 

She  wept  confent,  and  he  went  on. 

"  How  delicate  the  married  life  ! 
*'  You  love  your  hufband,  I  my  wife. 
"  Not  ev'n  fatiety  could  tame, 
*'  Nor  diflipation  quench  the  flame. 

"  True  to  the  bias  of  our  kind 
"  'Iris  happinefs  we  wifli  to  find. 
**  In  rural  fcenes  retir'd  we  fought 
"In  vain  the  dear,  delicious  draught. 
**  Tho'  bleft  with  love's  indulgent  flore, 
'*  We  found  we  wanted  fomething  more. 
"  'Twas  company,  'twas  friends  to  fliare 
**  The  blifs  we  languifli'd  to  declare. 
**  'Twas  fecial  converfe,  change  of  fcenc, 
*'  To  foothe  the  fullen  hour  of  ipleen  f 
"  Short- abfences  to  wake  defire, 
^*  And^  fweet  regrets  to  fan  the  fire. 

"  We  left  the  lonefome  place  ;  and  founds 
**  In  Diffipation's  giddy  round,- 
*'  A  thou fand  novelties  to  wake 
"  The  fprings  of  life  and  not  to  break. 
"  As,  from  the  neft  not  wand'iing  far> 
*'  In  light  excurfions  thro'  the  air, 
"  The  feather'd  tenants  "of  the  grove 
*'  Around  in  mazy  circles  move, 
*'  (Sip  the  cool  fprings  that  murm'ring  flow^ 
*■*  Or  tafle  the  bloiTom  on  the  bough.) 


f< 


We 


VARIETY.  3»j 

'^  We  fported  freely  with  the  reil ; 
"  And,  flill  returning  to  the  neft, 
"  In  eafy  mirth  we  chatted  o'er 
*'  The  trifles  of  the  day  before. 

"  Behold  us  now,  diffolving  quite 
"  In  the  full  ocean  of  delight ; 
**  In  pleafures  ev'ry  hour  employ, 
**  Immers'd  in  all  the  world  calls  joy. 
**  Our  affluence  eafmg  the  expence 
*'  Of  fplendour,  and  magnificence. 
"  Our  company,  th'  exalted  fet 
**  Of  all  that's  gay,  and  all  that's  great : 
*'  Nor  happy  yet  ! — and  where's  the  wonder  !  — 
**  We  li've,  my  iiear,  too  much  a/under  " 

The  moral  of  my  tale  is  this. 
Variety's  the  foul  of  blifs. 
But  fuch  Variety  alone 
As  makes  our  home  the  more  our  own. 
As  from  the  heart's  impelling  pow'r 
The  life-blood  pours  it's  genial  flore  ; 
Tho',  taking  each  a  various  way,  ' 

The  adlive  ftreams  meandring  play 
Thro'  ev'ry  artery,  ev'ry  vein. 
All  to  the  heart  return  again  ; 
From  thence  refume  their  new  career. 
But  ilill  return,  and  center  there  : 
So  real  happinefs  below 
Muft  from  the  heart  fincerely  flow ; 

Y  2  Nor, 


3«4         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Nor.  Ilft'ning  to  the  Syren's  fong, 
Muft  llray  too  far,  or  reft  too  long. 
All  human  pleafures  thither  tend  ; 
Muft  there  begin,  and  there  muft  end  ; 
Muft  there  recruit  their  languid  force. 
And  gain  frefh  vigour  from  their  fource. 


THE 


[     3^5     ] 

THE      GOAT'S      BEARD. 

A       F    A    B.  L    E. 

"  Propria  quse  maribus — 

*'  Foemineo generi  tribuuntur.  Lilly's  Gram, 

Lib.  IV.  Fab.  14. 

CAPELLiE    ET    HIRCL 

Xy  A  R  B  A  M  Capellas  quum  impetra/Tent  ab  Jove, 

•'^  Hirci  mcerentes  indignari  cceperant. 

Quod  dignitatem  fceminas  squafTent  fuam  ; 

**  Sinite,  inquit,  iliis  gloria  vana  frui, 

"  Et  ufurpare  veftri  ornatum  muneris  : 

"  Pares  dum  non  fint  veftrce  fortitudini.'* 

Hoc  argumentum  monet  ut  fullineas  tibi 
Habitu  efie  fimiles,  qui  fint  virtute  impares. 


The  purport  of  the  above  Fable  is  this.  When  the 
She-Goats  had,  by  their  intreaties,  obtained  of  Jupiter 
the  privilege  of  having  Beards  as  well  as  the  Males, 
the  He-Goats  grew  angry ;  and  complained,  that  he 
had  degraded  their  dignity  by  admitting  the  females  to 
equal  honours  with  themfelves. 

To  which  the  God  replied.  That  if  they  would  take 
care  to  preferve  the  real  and  efiential  advantages  which 
their  fex  gave  them  over  the  other,  they  would  have  no 
reafon  to  be  diifatisfied  with  letting  them  participate  in 
v.'hat  was  merely  ornamental. 


3i6         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


THE      GOAT'S      BEARD. 

T  N  eight  terfe  lines  has  Phasdms  told 
■■'  (So  frugal  were  the  bards  of  old) 
A  tale  of  goats  ;  and  clos'd  with  grace 
Plan,  moral,  all,  in  that  fhort  fpace. 
Alas,  that  ancient  morahft 
Knew  nothing  of  the  flender  twill 
Which  Italy,  and  France,  have  taught 
To  later  times  to  fpin  the  thought. 
^hey  are  our  mailers  now,  and  we 
Obfequious  to  their  high  decree, 
Whate'er  the  claffic  critics  fay. 
Will  tell  it  in  a  modern  way. 
'Twas  fomewhere  on  the  hills,  which  lie 

'TwLxt  Rome  and  Naples'  fofter  chme^ 
(They  can't  efcape  the  traveller's  eye. 

Nor  need  their  names  be  told  in  rhyme) 
A  herd  of  goats,  each  fhining  morn, 
Midil  fcraggy  myrtle,  pointed  thorn. 
Quick  glancing  to  the  fun  difplay'd 
Their  fpotted  iides,  and  pierc'd  the  fhade. 
Their  goat-herds  ftill,  like  thofe  of  old. 
Pipe  to  the  ftragglers  of  the  fold. 

*Tvvas  there — and  there  (no  matter  when) 
y/ith  Virgil's  leave,  we  place  the  fcene.  \ 

For 


The    GOAT'S    beard.  317 

For  fearcely  can  we  think  his  fwains 
Dealt  much  In  goats  on  Mantua's  plains  ; 
Much  lefs  could  e'er  his  fhepherds  dream 
Of  pendant  rocks  on  Mincio's  ftream. 
From  Naples  his  enliven'd  thought 
Its  fondeft,  bell  ideas  caught. 
Theocritus  perhaps  befide 
Some  kind  embellifhments  fupply'd. 
And  poets  are  not  common  men — 
Who  talks  of  goats  in  Ely  fen  ! 

'Twas  there,  on  one  important  day, 
Jt  chanc'd  the  he -goats  were  away. 
The  ladies  of  the  cojoay 
Had  form'd  a  female  coterie  ; 
And,  as  they  browz'd  the  cliffs  among. 
Exerted  all  their  power  of  tongue. 
Of  eafe  and  freedom  much  they  fpoke, 
.Enfranchis'd  from  the  hufcand's  yoke; 
How  bright  the  fun,  how  foft  the  air. 
The  Trefoil  flowers  were  fweeter  far. 
While  thus  alone  they  might  debate 
The  hardfhips  of  the  married  frate. 

Encourag'd  by  the  quick'ning  flame 
Which  fpread,  and  caught  from  dame  to  dame, 
A  matron,  fager  than  the  reft. 
The  fair  enthuflafts  thus  addrefs'd : 
*'  Ladies,  I  joy  to  fee^  what  I 
'^  Have  felt,  and  imother'd  with  a  figli, 
"  Should  touch  at  length  the  general  breaft^ 
'*  And  honeft  nature  ftand  ccnfeft. 

Y  4  Queens 


328  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

*'  Queens  as  we  are,  we  fee  our  power 
*'  UlurpM,  and  dally  finking  lower. 
*'  Why  do  our  lords  and  maflers  reign 
**  Sole  monarchs  o'er  their  fubjedt  train  ? 
*'  What  ilamp  has  nature  given  their  line, 
*'  What  mark  to  prove  their  right  di^-vine 
*'  To  lead  at  will  the  paffive  herd  ? 
'^  — It  can  be  nothing  but  their  beard. 

"  Obferve  our  Ihapes,  our  winning  airs, 
*^  Our  fpots  more  elegant  than  theirs ; 
*'  With  equal  eafe,  with  equal  fpeed 
'*  We  fwim  the  brook,  or  Ikim  the  mead  ; 
"  Climb  the  tall  cliiF,  where  wild  thyme  grows, 
*'  On  pinnacles  undaunted  browze, 
*'  Hang  fearlefs  o'er  th'  impetuous  ftream, 
"  And  Ikip  from  crag  to  crag  like  them. 
*'  Why  are  they  then  to  us  preferr'd  ? 
*'  — It  can  be  nothing  but  their  beard. 

**  Then  let  us  to  great  Jove  prepare 
*'  A  facritice  and  folemn  prayer, 
'*  That  he  would  gracioufly  relieve 
'*  Our  deep  diflrefs,  and  kindly  give 
**  The  all  we  want  to  make  us  Ihine 
'*  Joint  EmprelTes  by  right  di-vine.'^ 

A  general  murmur  of  applaufe 
Attends  the  fpeech.     l"he  common  caufs 
Glows  in  each  breafl,  and  all  defy 
The  bonds  of  Saiique  tyranny. 
The  mild,  the  timorous  grow  bold  ; 
And,  as  they  faunter  to  the  fold^ 

Ev'n 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  349 

Ev'n  kids,  with  voices  fcarcely  heard, 
Lifp  out, — *'  'Tis  nothing  but  the  beard." 

Aereed.     And  now  with  fecret  care 
The  due  luilrations  they  prepare  : 
And  having  mark'd  a  facred  field. 
Of  horns  a  fpacious  altar  build  ; 
Then  from  the  fragrant  herbs  tliat  grow 
On  craggy  cliiF,  or  mountain's  brow. 
They  cull  the  fweets :  and  ftuii  the  pile 
With  *  Tragopcgon's  downy  fpoil. 
And  gums  of  f  Tragacanth  to  raife 
The  bickering  flame,  and  fpced  the  blaze. 
But  chief  the  flower  beyond  compare. 
The  flaunting  J  Woodbine  revell'd  there. 
Sacred  to  goats  ;  and  bore  their  name 
'Till  botaniils  of  modern  fame 
New-fangled  titles  chofe  to  give 
To  almoll  all  the  plants  that  live. 
Of  thefe  a  hallow'd  heap  they  place 
With  all  the  fkill  of  female  grace ; 
Tiien  fpjead  the  fprigs  to  catch  the  air. 
And  light  them  with  the  brufliy  hair 
Pluck'd  flily  from  their  hufoands'  chins. 
In  feeming  fport,  when  love  begins. 

*  Tr/'gopcg'jnl  A  plant  called  in  Englilh,  the  Goal's  BearJ. 

■f  Tragacanth]  The  Goat's  Thorn,  The  gums  of  this  plant  are 
ufed  in  medicine, 

J  J'Foodblne]  The  Caprlfollum,  or  Goat'c  Leaf  of  the  anc'ents 
and  of  Fouinefort.  Linnaeus  ranks  it  under  the  genus  of  Lonicera, 
as  he  does  the  Tragacanth  under  that  of  AQragalus. 

*'  Hear, 


230         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

**  Hear,  father  Jove  !  if  Hill  thy  mind 
'^  With  partial  fondnefs  views  our  kind  j 
"  If,  nurs'd  by  goats,  as  ftory  fays, 
'*  Thou  IHIl  retain'ft  their  gamefcme  ways  ; 
*'  If  on  *  thy  fhield  /jer  fkin  appears 
*'  Who  fed  with  milk  thy  infant  years ; 
*'  If  Capricorn  advanc'd  by  thee 
"'  Shines  in  the  fphere  a  Deity,  i^c.  iffc^ 
'^  Hear,  father  Jove,  our  jull:  requefl; 
*'  O  grant  us  beards,  and  mal^e  us  blefi?'* 

Swift  mounts  the  blaze,  the  fcented  iky 
Seems  pleas 'd,  the  zephyrs  gently  iigh. 
And  Jove  himfelf,  in  frolic  mood. 
Reclining  on  an  amber  cloud, 
Snuif'd  in  the  gale;  and,  tho*  he  hides 
A  laugh  which  almofl  burfts  his  fides, 
Smil'd  gracious  on  the  fuppliant  crew; 
And  from  the  left  his  thunder  flew  ; 
_Bleft  omen  of  fuccefs  !   Ye  fair. 
Who  know  what  tyrant  fpoufes  are. 
If  e'er  you  flipt  the  tightened  rein. 
Or  gave  a  furly  hufband  pain, 
Guefs  at  the:r  joy. — Devoutly  low 
They  bent,  and  with  prophetic  glow 
They  wreath'd  their  necks,  they  cock'd  their  taib^ 
With  fkittilh  coynefs  met  the  males. 
And  fcarce  admitted  the  embrace 
But  merely  to  preferve  the  race. 

*  Thy  Shield]  The  /E^is,  called  To  from  the  goat's  fkin  which 
covers  it. 

But 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  r>i 

But  chief  the  river  banks  they  throng  j 
NarcifTus-like  o'er  fountains  hung. 
And  not  a  puddle  could  they  pafa 
Without  a  (quint  to  view  their  face, 
Happy  to  fee  the  fprouts  arife 
Which  promis'd  future  dignities. 

When  lo  I  their  utmoll  wiih  prevails. 
A  beard,  as  graceful  as  the  male's. 
Flows  from  their  chins  j  and  forth  they  mov'd 
At  once  to  be  rever'd  and  lov'd  ; 
Looking  (to  borrow  a  quaint  phrafe 
From  Young,  to  deck  our  humbler  lays) 
"  Delightfully  with  all  their  might." 
The  he-goats  llarted  at  the  fight. 
*'  Angels  and  minifters  of  grace  !" 
Appear'd  en  theirs,  like  *  Garrick's  face. 
Glance  after  glance  oblique  they  fent. 
Then  fix'd  in  dumb  aftoniihment. 
Scarce  more  amaz'd  did  -j-  Atlas  fland. 
Sole  monarch  of  th'  Hefperian  llrand. 
When  Perfeus  on  his  fhield  difplay'd 
Terrific  charms,  the  Gorgon's  head. 

At  laft  recovei-ing  their  furprife. 
For  goats,  like  men,  are  fometimes  wife. 
On  this  abfurd,  new-modeli'd  plan. 
Like  human  couples,  they  began. 
Unwilling,  for  decorum's  fake. 
Quite  to  unite,  or  quite  to  break. 

♦  Garrick's  facel  in  the  charader  of  Hamlet. 

•j-  ^i/as]  Ovid's  Metamorphofes.     Book  4th.  Fabi  15th. 

Wlih 


33Z         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

With  Ihcrt  half  words,  and  looks  that  leer'd. 
They  frcwn'd,  they  pouted,  and  they  fneer'd. 
In  general  terms  exprefs'd  their  thoughts 
On  prinjate  and  peculiar  faults  ; 
Dropp'd  hints  they  fcarcely  wifli'd  to  fmother. 
And  talk'd  not  to  but  at  each  other. 
'Till  flrife  engend'ring  more  and  more. 
They  downright  wrangled,  if  not  fwore ; 
And  ev'n  the  fair  could  fcarce  refrain 

From  broad  exprefiions,  when  they  faw 
Th'  accomplifhments  they  wilh'd  to  gain. 

Created  not  reipedl  but  awe  ; 
And  fofter  kids  ufurp'd  the  fiames 
Due  only  to  experienc'd  dames. 

'Twas  then  the  general  difcord  rofe  ; 
And  Jove  (indafurious  to  compofe 
The  cafaal  feuds  his  hafly  nod 
Had  caus'd)  ;  well  worthy  fuch  a  God, 
Conv'en'd  the  Hates.     And  tho'  he  knew 
What  mortals  fay  is  really  ti-ue, 
'*  Advice  is  fometimes  thrown  away," 
He  bade  them  meet,  and  lix'd  the  day. 

Each  confcious  of  their  claim  divide 
In  feparate  bands  on  either  iide. 
Like  clients  in  a  party  caufe, 

Determin'd  to  fucceed  or  die, 
(Whate'er  their  judge  may  talk  of  laws) 

Staunch  martyrs  to  integrity. 
The  God  appeared,  in  proper  Hate, 
Not  as  the  arbiter  of  fate, 

Witk 


i 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  jjj 

With  all  thofe  enfigns  of  command 
Which  fvvay  the  air,  the  fea,  the  land, 
Bnt  yet  with  dignity,  to  draw 
Attention,  and  becoming  awe. 
**  Approach  :'*  he  cry'd,  "  your  idle  flrife 
*'  Has  rais'd  a  thought :  I'll  give  it  life. 
"  For  know,  ye  goats,  my  high  beheib 
*'  Shall  not  be  thrown  away  on  beafts. 
*'  When  fexes  plead,  the  caufe  is  common; 
**  Be  goats  no  more,  but  man  and  woman." 

The  change  enfues.     He  fmil'd  again> 
And  thus  addrefs'd  the  motley  train.— 
(Here  might  we  tell,  in  Ovid's  lay. 
How  forms  to  other  forms  gave  way. 
How  pert-cock'd  tails,  and  fliaggy  hides. 
And  horns,  and  twenty  things,  belides. 
Grew  fpruce  bag-wigs,  or  well-queu'd  hair. 
The  floating  fack,   the  Pet-en-Vairy 
Fur  gown,  gold  chain,  or  regal  robe. 
Which  rules,  in  ermin'd  Hate,  the  globe. 
We  wave  all  this,  and  fay  again. 
He  thus  addrefs'd  the  motley  train.) 
*'  When  firft  I  diiFerent  fexes  form'd, 
Happy  myfelf,  with  goodnefs  warm'd, 
I  meant  you  help-mates  for  each  other ;. 
The  ties  of  father,  fon,  and  brother. 
And  all  the  charides  below 
I  kindly  meant  fhould  fpring  from  you. 
Were  more  exalted  fcenes  your  lot, 
I  kindly  meant,  as  vvho  would  not. 

The 


334         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS, 

The  fair  fhould  footh  the  hero's  care. 
The  hero  fhould  protect  the  fair  ; 
The  ftatefman's  toils  a  refpite  find 
In  pleafures  of  domeftic  kind ; 
And  kings  themfelves  in  fecial  down 
Forget  the  thorns  which  line  a  crown. 

In  humbler  life,  that  man  fhould  roam 
Bufy  abroad,  while  fhe  at  home 
Impatient  for  his  dear  return 
Should  bid  the  crackling  incenfe  burn. 
And  fpread,  as  fortune  might  afford. 
The  genial  feafl,  or  frugal  board. 
The  joys  of  honefl  competence. 
The  folace  even  of  Indigence. 

But  things  are  chang'd,  no  matter  how  3 
Thefe  blefungs  are  not  frequent  now. 
Let  time  account,  as  he  glides  on. 
For  all  his  wings  and  fcythe  have  done  : 
We  take  you  in  his  prefent  page, 
The  refufe  of  an  iron  age. 
Then  hear  our  fober  thoughts.  "    . 

Ye  dames, 
AfFedllon  and  good-breeding  claims 
That  firft,  in  preference  to  the  males. 
We  place  jr-^«r  merits  in  the  fcales. 
For,  whether  'twas  defign'd  or  not. 
You  fome  afcendancy  have  got. 
Ladies,  we  own,  have  had  their  fhare 
In  learning,  politics,  and  war. 


To 


The    GOAT^s    BEARD.  335 

To  pafs  at  once  the  doubtful  tale 

Of  amazons  in  coats  of  mail, 

(Fables  which  ancient  Greece  has  taught. 

And,  if  I  knew  them,  I've  forgot.) 

Authentic  records  ftill  contain. 

To  malce  the  females  juftly  vain. 

Examples  of  heroic  worth — 

Semiramis  of  *  Eaft  and  f  North. 

X  Marg'ret  the  Anjouvine  ;  of  Spain 

I]  Fair  Blanche  ;  and  §  Ellen  of  Guienne. 

*  Semiramis  cf  EaJ}]  The  wife  of  NInus, 

•f-  — and  Nortbl  Margaret  de  Waldemar,  commonly  called  the 
Semiramis  of  the  North.  She  united  in  her  own  perfon  the  three 
kingdoms  of  Norway,  Denmark,  and  Sweden.  The  firft  by  de- 
fcent,  the  fecond  by  marriage,  and  the  third  by  con(^'jeft.  See  the 
union  of  Calmar,   I393. 

J  Margaret  the  Anjcwvire]  Wife  of  Henry  the  Sixth  of  Englan.^p; 
who  (notwithftanding  her  fuppofed  intrigue  with  the  Duke  of  Suf- 
folk) fupported  the  intereft  of  her  hulband  and  his  family  with  the 
moft  heroic  fpirit. 

[|  Fair  Blar^chel  Blanche  of  Caflile,  wife  to  Louis  the  Eighth  of 
France.  She  governed  that  kingdom  during  the  minority  of  her 
fon,  St,  Louis,  and  during  his  abfence  at  the  holy  wars,  with  great- 
fortitude  and  faccefs.  The  wicked  chronicles  of  the  times  have 
been  very  free  v/ith  her  charader. 

§  Ellen  of  GuknTie^  An  adventurer  in  the  crufades.  She  was- 
firft  married  to  Louis  the  Seventh  of  France,  by  whom  flie  was  di- 
vorced, under  a  pretence  of  confanguinity ;  and  was  afterwards  wife 
to  Henry  the  Second  of  England.  Her  behaviour  here  is  weii 
kjiown. 

*  Catha- 


336         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

*  Catherine  of  France  immortal  grew 

A  rubric  faint  with  Barthol'mew  : 

In  Ruflia  Catherines  more  than  one 

Have  done  great  things  :  and  many  a  Joan  • 

Has  bullied  in  the  aclive  fcene  ; 

f  The  Pope,  the  Warrior,  and  the  Queen  ! 

But  thefe  are  flars  which  blaze  and  fall ; 

O'er  Albion  did  Eliza  rife 
A  conftellation  of  them  all. 

And  ftiines  the  Virgo  of  the  ikies  ! 
X  Some  dames  of  lefs  athletic  mould. 
By  mere  misfortune  render'd  bold. 
Have  drawn  the  dagger  in  defence 
Of  their  own  fpotlefs  innocence. 
O'er  thefe  the  penfive  Mufe  fhall  mourn^ 
And  Pity's  tear  fhall  grace  their  urn. 
X  Others,  a  more  heroic  part. 

By  juft  revenge  to  fury  led. 
Have  plung'd  it  in  a  hufband's  heart. 

And  tnumph'd  o'er  the  mighty  dead. 

*  Catbarirte  cf  France]  The  famous  Catherine  cf  Medic's,  wife 
to  Henry  the  Second  of  France,  and  mother  to  the  three  fucceeaing 
monarchs.  The  mafTacre  of  Paris  on  St.  Bartholomew's  day  was 
condu£t;ed  under  her  aufpices. 

•f  The  PopCy  &c.]  Pope  Joan,  Joan  of  Arc,  and  Joan  of  Na- 
ples. 

X  Some]  X  Others]  Of  thefe  two  afTertions  the  author  does  not 
choofe  to  give  examples,  as  Seme  might  be  thsught  fabulous,  and 
Others  invidious. 

The' 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  337 

Tho'  laurels  are  their  meed,   'tis  true^ 

Let  milder  females  have  their  due. 

And  be  with  humbler  myrtles  crown'd. 

Who  *  fuck'd  the  poifon  from  the  wound. 

For  folks  there  are  who  don't  admire 

In  angel  forms  that  foul  of  fire. 

Nor  are  quite  pleas 'd  with  wounds  and  fears 

On  limbs  beft  fram'd  for  fofter  wars. 

Nay  now,  fo  f.jueamifh  men  are  grown. 

Their  manners  are  fo  like  your  own. 

That,  tho'  no  Spartan  dames  we  view 
Thump'd,  cufr 'd,  and  wreftled  black  and  blue, 
Ev'n  {lighter  blemilhes  offend 

Sometimes  the  fair  one's  fondefl  friend. 
Glorious,  no  doubt,  it  is,  to  dare 
The  dangers  of  the  Sylvan  war. 
When  foremoU  in  the  chafe  you  ride 
tjome  headlong  fteed,  you  cannot  guidej 
And  owe,  by  Providence,  or  chance. 
Your  fafety  to  your  ignorance. 
But  ah  !  the  confequential  ill 
Might  there  retrain  ev'n  woman's  will. 
The  furrow  plough'd  by  f  Tyburn  hat 
On  the  fair  forehead's  Parian  flat ; 

*  Suck'd  the  poifon']  Whether  the  ftory  of  Eleanor  of  Caftile,  wife 
to  Edward  the  Firft  of  England,  is  fidtitious  or  not,  the  Eleanor 
crofTes  exilting  at  prefent  are  a  fufficient  teftimcny  of  her  huiband's 
affeftions,  and  his  gratitude  to  her  memory. 

•|-  Tyburn  hat]  The  fmall  round  hat,  which  acquired  its  name 
from  its  being  the  diftinguifhing  mark  of  a  pick-pocket :  it  is  now 
adopted  by  gentl^imen  and  ladies. 

Vol.  LXXII.  Z  Thg 


3JS         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

The  freckles,  blotches,  and  parch'd  fkins. 
The  worms,  which  like  black-headed  pins 
Peep  through  the  damafk  cheek,  or  rife 
On  nofes  bloated  out  of  fize. 
Are  things  which  females  ought  to  dread. — »- 
Biit  you  know  bell,  and  I  proceed. 

Some  fages,  a  peculiar  thought. 
Think  politics  become  you  not. 
Nay  one,  well  vers'd  in  Nature's  rulcs^ 
Calls  *  *'  cunning  women  knavifn  fools." 
— Your  pardon — I  but  barely  hint 
What  impious  mortals  dare  to  print. 

In  learning,  doubtlefs,-  you  have  fhin'd 
The  -paragons  of  human  kind. 
Each  abilradt  fcience  have  explor'd  ; 
Have  pierc'd  thro'  Nature's  coyeft  hoard  ; 
And  cropp'd  the  lovelicft  flowers  that  blow 
On  fteep  Parnafius'  double  brov/. 

And  yet  what  fmall  remains  we  find  ! 
f  Afpafia  left  no  trails  behind ; 
Content  her  doiflrlnes  to  impart. 
As  oral  truths,  v/arm  from  the  heart. 
And  ill-bred  time  has  fwept  away 
Full  many  a  grave  and  fprightly  lay, 

*  Cunning  'Woma7i'\  "  A  cunning  woman  is  a  knavifli  fool." 

Lcrd  Lvttehons  Advice  to  a  hadt^^^ 

•\  A}^ajlS\  The  pupils  of  this  learned  lady  (if  we  except  Socratec) 
were  moll:  of  them  her  lovers  too,  and  confequently  received  inftruc- 
ticn  in  the  moft  agreeable  manner  it  could  be  conveyed. 

Full 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  339 

Full  many  a  tome  of  juft  renown 
Fram'd  by  the  numerous  fair,  who  (here 
Poetic  or  hilloric  Queens, 
From  Sappho  down  to  *  Anne  Comnenes» 

In  modern  days,  the  female  pen 
Is  paramount,  and  copes  with  men. 
Ladies  have  led  th'  inftrudive  crew. 
And  kindly  told  us  all  they  knew. 
In  France,  in  Britain,  many  a  fcore. — 
I  mention  none — to  praife  the  more. 
And  yet  in  that  fame  little  ifle 
I  view,  with  a  peculiar  fmile. 
And  wilh  to  name  a  chofen  few  : 

A ,  or  a -, 

Or — But  I  won't.     It  envy  raifes. 
Few  men  can  bear  each  others  praifes. 
And  in  the  fair  one  would  not  fee 
A  Genus  irritabile. 

Swift  fays,  a  clever  fchgol-boy's  fame 
Is  all  at  which  the  fex  Ihould  aim. 
It  may  be  fo,  and  he  be  wife— 
But  /  authorities  defpife. 
Men  cannot  judge  in  fuch  affairs. 
/  grant  your  talents  great  as  theirs. 
Your  wit  of  a  more  piercing  kind. 
Your  fenfs  more  jnoral  and  refin'd  j 

*  Anne  Ccmnenes]  A  Pr'.ncefs  of  great  learning,  daughter  of  A- 
lexius  Comnenus,  Emperor  of  Conftantinople,  during  the  time  of 
the  firft  crufades.  She  wrote  the  hiftory  of  her.  father's  long  reign, 
and  is  ranked  among  the  Byzantine  hiltorians. 

Z  2  And 


340         WHITER  HE  AD'S    POEMS. 

And  fhoald  ye  from  ftricfl  reafoning  fwerve. 

You  ilill  have  conquefl  in  referve. 

If  arguments  are  fometimes  flight, 

*  **  Your  eyes  are  always  in  the  right." 

In  love  your  empire  is  fupreme. 

The  hero's  palm,  the  poet'3  theme. 

Nor  will  we  dare  to  fix  a  date 

When  that  fofc  empire  yields  to  fate. 

At  feventy  great  Eliza  lov'd, 

Tho'  coy  perhaps  f  her  heroes  prov'd. 

And  X  Ninon  had  a  longer  reign. 

She  lov'd,  and  was  belov'd  again,- 

Let  Gedoyne  the  jull  sera  fix. 

At  eighty,  or  at  eighty-fix. 

One  little  hint,  before  we  clofe 
This  tedious  foporific  dofe, 

*     Tsur  eyesy  &c.]  A  line  of  Prior. 

•f-  Her  bircesi   Eflex  and  Courtney, 

J  NwcnJ  Ic  is  recorded  of  the  celebrated  Ninon  1  Enclos,  that  i 
young  i-'iench  Abbe,  of  the  name  of  Gedoyne,  had  iong  folicited  her 
favours,  and  was  rather  aitonifhed  at  her  coynefs.  When  fhe  yield- 
ed at  laft,  fhe  begged  his  pardon  for  fo  dilatory  a  compliance,  and 
pleaded  as  her  excufe,  that  her  female  vanity  was  pit^ued  upon  hav- 
ing a  lover  after  fhe  was  fourfcore  j  chat  /he  had  only  compleated 
her  eightieth  year  the  day  before,  and  therefore  hoped  her  eivpreJJ- 
ment  to  oblige  him  would  be  a  proper  acknowledgement  of  her  gra- 
titude for  his  attentions. 

Kow  long  the  attachment  laflcd,  the  author  of  this  poem  has  mo- 
deflly  left  undecermined. 

One 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  341 

One  lictle  hint  we  choole  to  give. 
That  nuptial  harmony  may  live. 
As  hufbands,  tho'  on  fmall  pretence. 
Are  vvond'rcus  jealous  of  their  fenfe. 
Perhaps  'twere  prudent  to  conceal 
The  great  accomplifnments  you  feel. 
Then  fcreen  what  pains  the  naked  eye 
With  that  thin  gauze  call'd  modefty ; 
At  leail  with  diffidence  maintain 
The  triumphs  you  are  fure  to  gain. 
Arm'd  with  this  caution,  juftly  claim 
Your  genuine  (hare  of  power  and  fajr^e .; 
Be  every  thing  your  confcious  merit 
Infpires,  and  with  becoming  fpirit 
Expand  each  paffion  of  the  heart. 
Each  talent  nature  gives  exert ; 
Be  wife,  be  leam'd,  bs  brave,  nay  fear'd— 
But  keep  your  fex,  and  *  yiDE  the  Beard. 

Ladies,  your  fiave. — The  dames  withdrew. 
Now,  gentlemen^  I  turn  to  you. 
You  heard  the  lefTons  which  I  gave. 
At  once  both  ludicrous  and  grave, 

*  Hide  the  BeardJ  A  certain  Grecian  pamter,  who  had  ufually 
exerted  his  talents  on  iafcivious  fubjecls,  was  commanded  by  the 
Hate  under  which  he  lived,  to  atone  for  his  errors,  by  forming  a 
piece  which  Hiould  damp  the  mofl:  licentious  appetite.  He  accord- 
ingly drew  a  naked  Venus  with  all  the  charms  his  imagination  could 
fuggeft,  and  then,  to  make  her  totally  dif^ufling,  cia^^ped  her  on  a 
beard. 

Z  3  And 


34*  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

And  fne^r'd  perhaps ;  but  have  a  care, 
I  only  banter'd  with  the  fair. 
When  your  important  caufe  comes  on. 
We  take  it  in  a  hio-her  tone. 

Is  there  a  fault  in  womankind 
Toil  did  not  make,  or  firive  to  find  ? 
To  rife  on  joar  defefts  you  teach  them, 
And  lokyour  virtues  ere  they  reach  them. 
Would  e'er  ambition  touch  their  brain, 
"Did you  your  lawful  rule  maintain. 
With  tendernefs  exert  your  fway. 
And  mildly  win  them  to  obey  ? 
Had  Caefar,  Antony,  been  men. 
We  fcarce  had  heard  of  *  Egypt's  Queen, 
Follies  and  vices  of  his  own 
Sunk  to  a  flave  great  Phihp's  fon ; 
Kor  did  f  Alcides  learn  to  fpin 
'Till  he  put  oft  the  lion's  Jkln. 

Henry  the  fourth  of  France  (a  nanje 
We  love,  we  pity,  and  we  blame) 
Had  frailties,  which  the  meaneft  clown. 
Of  native  fenfe  would  b!ufh  to  own. 
D'Etree,  Vernueil,  and  tv/enty  more. 

Will  prove  him  vafTal  to  a . 

Nothing  could  tame  the  headflrong  lad, 
Whofe  pure  good-nature  was  run  mad. 

*  Egypt" s  S^ueen]  Cleopatra, 

'-f-  Alc'idti}  His  condefcenfions  to  Omphale  are  well  known. 

Ev'n 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  343 

Ev'n  toil,  and  penury,  and  pain. 
And  *  Sully,  teaz'd  and  preach'd  in  vain. 
Nothing  could  Hop  th'  infatiate  rage. 
Not  even  the  hally  f  fnow  of  age ; 
Not  even  his  lail  provoking  %  wife. 
That  fire-brand  of  perpetual  ftrife. 
Who  fet  half  Europe  in  a  flame. 
And  died,  poor  wretch,  an  empty  natne. 

In  what  the  world  calls  politics 
You  teach  the  fair  a  thoufand  tricks. 
Full  many  a  miikefs  of  a  King, 
At  firft  a  plain  unheeded  thing. 
But  fwells  in  fancied  dignity. 
And  glories  in  her  infamy  ; 
'Till,  to  diilrefs  a  v/eaker  brother. 
You  play  her  off  againll  each  other  ; 
Improve  the  (ex^s  natives  wiles, 
Th'  artillery  of  tears  and  fmiles  ; 
Flatter  her  pride,  or  peeviflinefs, 
^Till  fhe,  elated  by  ibccefs. 
Feels  her  own  force,  and  bolder  grown 
By  your  inftruftions,  ads  alone ; 

*  SuHyl  See  his  Memoirs • 

f  Sr.cnv  of  age]  He  was  very  early  grey. 

X  Provoking  iv'ife]  Mary  of  Medicis.  This  lady  was  of  an  am- 
bitious intriguing  fpirit,  with  a  very  mean  underftanding.  That 
ihe  was  a  "  provoking  wife,"  Sully's  memoirs  fufficiently  teftify. 
The  difturbances  fhe  raifed  at  home,  and  the  cabals  fhe  entered  into 
abroad  during  her  exile,  are  a  proof  of  the  fecond  pofition.  The 
laft  Ihe  mufl  have  fcvercly  felt,  for  fhe  died  at  Cologne  in  1642,  ia 

extreme  mifery. 

Z  4  Pro- 


3.44         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Procures  now  this,  now  that  man's  fall. 
And  fairly  triumphs  o'er  you  all. 

The  fecond  Charles  on  Engknd's  throne 
(Sav'd  from  oblivion  by  his  crown) 
Call  him  whatever  you  think  fit, 
A  knave,  an  idiot,  or  a  v.it. 
Had  from  his  travels  learnt  no  more 
Than  modern  youths  from  Europe's  tour. 
To  all  that  (hould  improve  his  mind. 
The  voluntary  dupe  was  blind. 
Whate'er  calamities  fell  on  him, 
Diflrefs  was  thrown  away  upon  him  ; 
The  fame  unfeeling  thoughtlefs  thing. 
Whether  an  exile,  or  a  king. 

Cleaveland  and  Pcrtfmouth  had  fine  features. 
And  yet  they  were  but  filly  creatures, 
Play'd  off  like  fnuttles  in  a  loom 
(To  weave  the  web  of  England's  doom  ! 
By  knaves  abroad,  and  knaves  at  home. 
Of  all  who  footh'd  his  *  idle  hours 
(To  wave  his  m  ■ajfant  amours) 
Of  all  who  gloried  in  the  flame. 
And  ia  broad  day-light  blaz'd  their  fname, 

*  Idle  hurf\  There  was  as  much  of  lazlnefs  as  o/love  in  all  thofe 
,    hours  which  he  pafi'ed  among  his  miftrefles  ;  who  fervcd  only  to  fill 
up  his  fc-agiio,  while  a  bewitching  kind  of  pleafure,  called  faunter- 
ing,  was  the  Sultana  Qneen  he  delighted  in. 

Duh  of  Buchngbatr.JJnres  Cbara&er  ofCbarki  the  Sec:nd, 

Spite 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  345 

Spite  of  her  f  frolics  and  expence, 
Nell  Guyn  alone  had  common  fenfe. 

Of  gaming  little  fliall  be  faid. 
You're  furfeited  upon  that  head. 
What  arguments  can  move  the  mind 
Where  folly  is  with  madnefs  join'd  ? 
What  fober  reafoning  can  prevail. 
Where  even  contempt  and  ruin  fail  ? 
Yet  let  me  mention,  betwixt  friends, 
*'  Burn  not  the  taper  at  botli  ends." 
Why  muft  your  v/ives  be  taught  by  you 
That  necdlefs  art  to  fquander  too  ? 
Whene'er  they  (hew  their  bracelet  firings. 
Their  dear  white  hands,  and  brilliant  rings. 
It  fhould  be  in  a  quiet  way  ; 
Ladies  fhould  piddle,  and  not  play. 

You  knovv  too  well  ycur  glorious  power. 
Greatly  to  lofe  in  half  an  hoar 
What  coH  your  anceflors  with  pain 
At  leall:  full  half  an  a^e  to  ^ain. 
Then  let  your  fpoufes  (to  be  grave) 
For  coals  and  candles  fomething  fave. 
And  keep  their  pin-money  and  jointures, 
Tc  free  from  jail  the  kind  appointers. 

-f-  Frolics  and  exfience'}  Bifhop  Burnet,  in  his  Hiftory  of  h  o  Owa 
Times,  fays  of  Mrs.  Guyn,  that  flie  w?.s  the  indifcreeteft  and  wildeft 
creature  that  ever  was  in  a  court,  yet  continued  to  the  end  of  the 
fCing's  life  in  great  favour,  and  was  maintained  at  a  vaft  expence. 

He  might  have  added,  to  her  credit,  that  Hie  never  meddled  at  all 
^ith  the  wretched  politics  of  thofe  timeSi 

Learn. 


34.<5  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Learning — you  fcarce  know  what  it  is.  ^ 

Then  put  the  quelHon,  and  'tis  this : 
True  learning  is  the  mind's  good  breeding, 
Tis  Common  Senfe  iraprov'd  by  reading. 
]f  Common  Senfe,  that  corner-Hone, 
Is  wanting,  let  the  reft  alone. 
Better  be  fools  without  pretence. 
Than  coxcombs  even  of  eminence. 

*  Eve  from  her  hufband's  lips  preferr'd 
What  (he  from  angels  might  have  heard, 
And  wifely  chofe  to  underftand 
Exalted  truths  at  {&zoi\d  hand. 
Should  your  foft  mates  adopt  her  notions. 
And  for  inftrndlion  wsitycur  motions. 
To  what  improvements  would  they  reach  ? 
—Lord  blefs  you,  what  hcLvsyou  to  teach  ? 

*  Eve]  In  the  eighth  boolc  of  Paradife  Loft,  while  Adam  was 
converfing  wkh  Raphael, 

—and  by  his  countenance  feenri'd 
Ent'ring  on  ftudious  thoughts  abilrufe— 
-  Eve  retired. 

Yet  went  (hz  not  as  not  with  fuch  difcourfe 
Delighted,  or  not  capable  her  ear 
Of  V7hat  was  high— 
But  becaufe. 

Her  hufband  the  relater  fhe  preferr'd 
Before  the  Angel— 

The  Poet  a/Tigns  a  reafon  for  it, 

— From  bis  lip 
Not  ivcrds  alone  pleas'd  h;r. 

Yes, 


The    GOAT'S    beard.  3-^7 

Yes,  one  thing,  I  confefs,  you  deal  in. 
And  read  in  fairly  without  fp':lling. 
In  that,  I  OAn,  yo-.ir  zeal  is  iuch. 
You  even  commuiiicate  too  much. 
In  matter,  fpirit,  and  in  fate 
Your  knowledge  is  extremely  great. 
Nobly  deferting  common  fenfe 
For  metaphyfic  excellence. 
And  yet  whate'er  you  fay,  or  fing. 
Religion  is  a  ferious  thing. 
At  leaft  to  me,  you  will  allow, 
A  Dt  ity,  it  mull  be  fo. 
Then  let  me  whifper — *'  Don't  perplex 
''  With  fpecious  doubts  the  weaker  fex. 
"  Let  them  enjoy  their  Tates  and  Bradys, 
*'  Free-thinking  is  not  fport  for  ladies." 

Is't  not  enough  ^'07/  read  Voltaire, 
While  fneering  valets  frizz  your  hair. 
And  half  afleep,  with  half  an  eye 
Steal  in  dear  infidelity  ? 
Is't  not  enough  Helvetius'  fchemes 
Elucidate  yonr  waking  dreams, 
(Tho'  each  who  on  the  dodrine  doats 
Skips  o'er  the  text,  to  Ikim  the  notes) 
W^hy  mull  the  fair  be  made  the  wife 
Partakers  of  your  myfteries  ? 
You'll  fay  they  liflen  to  your  chat. 
I  grant  them  fools,  but  what  of  that  ? 
Your  prudence  fure  might  be  fo  civil 
fo  let  your  females  fear  the  de-u'iL 

Even 


348  WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 

Even  for  the  comfort  of  your  lives 
Some  muft  be  mothers,  daughters,  wives  ; 
Howe'er  it  with. your  genius  fuits. 
They  ftiould  not  al/  be  proilitutes. 

Firm  as  the  fage  Lucretius  draws 
Above  Religion,  Morals,  Laws, 
Secure  (tho*  at  a  proper  difrance) 
Of  that  great  bkjjtng  non-existencp. 
You  triumph  ;  each  a  Deity 
In  all,  but  immortality. 
Why  therefore  will  ye  condefcend 
To  teaze  a  weak  believing  friend, 
Whofe  honefl  ignorance  might  gain 
From  error  a  rehef  in  pain. 
And  bear  with  foriitude  and  honour 
The  m\\tx\t%  you  brought  upon  her  ? 
Momus  perhaps  would  flily  fay. 
For  Momus  has  a  merry  way. 
Why  will  your  nxiifdom  and  your  ^.vit 
To  fuch  degrading  tricks  fubmit  ? 
Why  in  foft  bofoms  raife  a  riot  ? 
Can't  ye  be  d — mn'd  yourfelves  in  quiet  ? 

But  that's  an  after-thought ;  at  prefent 
We  merely  wifli  you  to  be  decent. 
And  juit  will  add  fome  trifling  things. 
From  whence.  We  think,  confufion  fprings. 

You'll  eafily  conceive  In  Gods, 
Who  fix  in  air  their  thin  abodes. 


And 


The    GOAT'S    BEARD.  345 

-And  feafl  on  incenfe,  and  ambrofia. 
Foul  feeding  muft  create  a  naufea 
Yet  wc  ourlelvcs  to  flelli  and  blood 
Have  granted  more  fubftantial  food. 
Nor  wonder  that,  in  tinies  like  yours. 
All  but  the  poor  are  Epicures, 
And  reafon  from  effects  to  caufes. 
On  Roti's,  Entremets,  and  Sauces. 
But  here  be  wife,  the  reafon's  clear. 
Be  niggards  of  your  knowledge  here. 
And  to  v'curfelves  alone  confine 
That  firic  of  bleffings,  how  to  dine. 
For  fhould  the  (tlt yor/r  tade  purfue. 
And  eating  be  l/jeir  fcience  too. 
Should  thev  too  catch  this  nafty  trick, 
(The  bare  idea  makes  me  fick) 
"What  would  become  of  Nature's  boaft  ? 
Their  beauty,  and  their  fex  were  lofl. 
—  I  turn  difgUiled  from  the  fcene,^ 
^v'f-Gluttons  are  5/''^- Aldermen. 

Another  precept  lingers  yet. 
To  make  the  tirefome  group  compleat. 
In  all  your  commerce  with  the  fex. 
Whether  you  mean  to  pleafe,  or  vex. 
If  not  well-bred,  at  leail  be  civil ; 
111  manners  are  a  catchincr  evil. 
I  fpeak  to  the  fuperior  tew. 
— Ye  Britiili  ycutlis,  1  fpeak  to  you. 

The  ancient  heroes  of  Romance, 
Idolaters  in  complaifance. 

So 


3  50         WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS, 

So  hit  the  {ex's  dearefl  whim. 
So  rais'tl  them  in  their  own  efleem. 
That  ev'ry  conlcious  worth  increas'd. 
And  every  foible  funk  to  reft. 
Nay,  e'en  when  chivalry  was  o'er. 
And  adoration  reign'd  no  more. 
Within  due  bounds  the  following  fe6l 
Reftrain'd  them  by  profound  refped; 
Politely  grafp'd  the  filken  reins. 
And  held  them  in  ideal  chdns. 

But  now,  when  you  appear  before  'em. 
You  want  all  deference  and  decorum  ; 
And,  confcious  of  good  Heav'n  knows  whati 
Noddle  your  heads,  and  flouch  your  hat ; 
Or,  carelefs  of  the  circling  throng. 
Thro'  full  afTemblies  lounge  along. 
And  on  a  couch  politely  throw 
Your  lifllefs  limbs  without  a  bow. 
While  all  the  fair,  like  Sheba's  Queen> 
Croud  eager  to  the  inviting  fcene. 
And  o'er  that  couch  in  raptures  hang 
To  hear  their  Solomon's  harangue. 
No  doubt  'tis  edifying  ftufr, 
(For  gentle  ears  are  cannon-proof) 
And  wife  the  doflrines  vi'hich  you  teach. 
But  your  examples  more  than  preach  : 
For  'tis  from  hence  your  high-bred  lafies 
Lofe,  or  defpife,  their  native  graces. 
Hence  comes  it  that  at  every  rout 
They  hoyden  in,  and  hoyden  out. 


The 


Tkf    GOAT'S    BEARD.  351 

The  raodeft  dignity  of  yore. 

The  Hep  challiaM,  is  feen  no  more. 

They  hop,  they  gallop,  and  they  trot, 

A  curtTy  is  a  thing  forgot. 

Th'  affected  dare,  the  thrud-out  chin. 

The  leer,  the  titter,  and  the  grin. 

Supply  what  **  himg  on  Hebe's  cheek, 

*'  And  lov'd  to  live  in  dimple  fleek.'* 

Nay,  fome  who  boafl  their  fixteen  quarters 

One  might  miilake  for  chandlers  daughters. 

Ah,  could  thefe  triflers  of  a  day- 
Know  what  their  mailers  think  and  fay. 
When  o'er  their  claret  they  debate 
Each  pretty  victim's  future  fate  ; 
With  what  contempt  and  malice  fraught 
They  fneer  the  follies  they  have  taught ; 
How  deep  a  blufli  their  cheek  would  fire  ! 
Their  little  breads  would  buril  with  ire  j 
And  the  mod  heedlefs  mawkin  there. 
The  loveliefi:  idiot,  drop  a  tear. 

Virtues  have  fexes,  paft  a  doubt. 
Mythologies  have  mark'd  them  out  ; 
Nor  yet  in  excellence  alone 

Have  this  peculiar  difterence  (hown  :  * 

Your  vices — that's  too  hard  a  name — 
Your  follies — (houid  not  be  the  fame. 
In  every  plant,  in  every  grain 

Of  Nature's  genuine  works  we  find 
Some  innate  effences  remain 

Which  mark  the  fpedes  and  the  kind. 

Tho'' 


35* 


WHITEHEAD'S    POEMS. 


Tho'  forms  may  vary,  round  or  fquare. 

Be  fmooth,  be  rough,  be  regular; 

Tho'  colours  feparate  or  unite. 

The  fport  of  fuperficial  light  ? 

Yet  is  there  Somethingy  tliat,  or  this. 

By  Nature's  kind  indulgence  fovvn^ 
Which  makes  each  thing  be  what  it  isj 

A  tree  a  tree,  a  fcone  a  ftone. 
So  in  each  fex  diilin*^  and  clear 
A  genuine  So/neibhig  fhould  appear, 
A  'Je-tie  fai  quoi,  however  flight. 
To  vindicate  the  natural  rip-ht. 

Then,  Sirs,  for  I  perceive  you  yawn. 
Be  this  conclufion  fairly  drawn : 
Sexes  zrt  proper i  and  not  cc?nmon  ; 
IVlan  miji  be  man,  and  woman  v/oman. 
In  fliort,  be  coxcombs  if  you  pleafe. 
Be  arrant  ladies  in  your  drefs  ; 
Be  every  name  the  vulgar  give 
To  what  their  groifnefs  can't  conceive ; 
Yet  one  fmall  favour  let  me  afk. 
Not  to  impofe  too  hard  a  taik — 
Whether  you  fix  your  fancied  reign 

In  brothels,  or  in  drawing-rooms. 
The  little  Something  iHll  retain. 

Be  gamelters,  gluttons,  jockies,  grooms. 
Be  all  which  Nature  never  meant. 
Free-thinkers  in  the  full  extent. 
But  ah  !   for  Scmethiny  be  rever'd. 
And  keep  your  fex,  and  show  the  Beard. 

End  of  Volu?4e  Seventy-two. 


E    355    1 


CONTENTS 


0    F 


WHITEHEAD'S      POEMS. 

TPage 
HE  Danger  of  Wriang  Verfe.  An  EpiUle,     141 

Atys  and  Adrailus.     A  Tale,  -  151 

Ann  Bolcyn  to  Henry  the  Eighth.     An  Heroic 

Epirtle,  -  -  -  168 

On  Ridicule>  -  -  -  J  77 

On  Nobility.     An  EpiRIc,  to  the  Earl  of "       189 

An  Hymn  to  the  Nymph  of  Bril^ol  Springs  198 

On  Friendfhip>  -  -  -  217 

The  Dog.     A  Tale,  -  -  222 

An  Epiltle  from  a  Grove  in  Derby  (hire  to  a  Grove 

in  Surry,  -  -  -  232 

The  Anfwcr,  -  -  '•236 

The  Enthufiaft-,         -  «  -  24.0 

The  Youth  and  the  Philofopher.     A  Fable,  244. 

To  a  Gentleman,  on  his  pitching  a  Tent  in  his 

Garden,  i  _  *  246 

The  Lark,  A  Simile.  To  tlie  Reverend  AJr. 249 

To  the  Honourable  Charles  Townfend,         *  251 

To  the  fame,  on  the  Death  of  a  Relation,  253 

To  Mr.  Garricki  -  -  256 

VoL.LXXli.  A  a  Na^ 


25^5  CONTENTS. 

Nature  to  Dr.  Hoadly,  on  his  Comedy  of  the  Suf- 

picious  Hufband, 
*ro  Richard  Owen  Cambridge,  Efq.  • 

To  Mr.  Mafon, 
To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lowtli,  on  his  Life  of  William 

of  Wykeham, 
To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wright, 
Ode  to  the  Tiber.     On  entering  the  Campania  of 

Rome,  at  Otricoli,   1755, 
Eleirv  I.  Written  at  the  Convent  of  Haut  Viilers 

in  Champagne, 
Elegy  II.  On  the  Maufoleum  of  Auguflas.     To 

ilie  Right  Honourable  George  Buffy  Villi'-"rs, 

Vifcount  Mlliers, 
Elegy  III.  To  the  Right  Honourable  George  Si- 
mon Harcourt,  \'iicount  Nuneham, 
Elegy  JV.  To  an  Oiiicer, 
Elegy  V.  To  a  Friend  Sick, 
£leev  VI.  To  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sanderfon, 
Verfes  to  the  People  of  England,   1758, 
A  Charge  to  tlie  Poets, 
Variety.     A  Tale  for  Married  People, 
The  Goat's  Beard.     A  Fable, 


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